Where is the oil pump usually located in a car?

A car's oil pump is usually located inside the oil pan at the bottom of the engine or inside the timing cover on the front of the engine. Some vehicles have the oil pump located behind the crankshaft pulley or on the side of the engine block.

The oil pump lubricates the engine?s parts and keeps them from rubbing against each other while in motion. It generates pressure that circulates the oil through holes and channels in the engine to create a separating film between the moving parts. A malfunctioning oil pump can cause significant damage to the engine within a short period of time if it continues to run.