How many times have I heard that the oil light came on so I must need an oil change.  The oil light is a red light.  It means stop the car.  It does not mean get oil later, or when you get home, or tomorrow.  It means stop the car right now!  It does not mean that the oil is low it means that the oil is empty.  It is beginning to suck air instead of oil and without oil the engine will quickly burn the bearings and self distruct.  You might have to have it towed if you don't have any oil to put in it. Most modern engines will not blow up on their own.  It takes a loss of oil pressure or perhaps overheating to cause major failures.  That is what the the light is for.  You must occasional check the oil and change it every 5000 miles.