Oil pressure and temperature gauges should be closely monitored by the pilot since they are the first indicators of imminent engine failure. High oil temperature can result from situations of high power, low airspeed (climbing), and high ambient air temperatures. If the engine is losing oil, the oil temperature will gradually rise as less oil is available for cooling and lubricating. Power should be reduced and the pilot should begin looking for a place to land. Even if oil is being lost, the oil pressure may still be maintained until the quantity reaches a critically low level. At this point there will be a rapid rise in oil temperature along with a sudden drop in oil pressure occurring just before engine seizure. When the oil pressure gauge shows a decrease that is not accompanied by a corresponding rise in oil temperature, the problem is probably a faulty gauge. If the oil pressure moves toward zero and there is vibration, oil on the cowling, metallic noise or smoke, a mechanical failure is imminent. Shut off the engine and look for a place to land.