Is the engine noise louder after switching to Shell oil?
2 Answers
The reasons for louder engine noise after switching to Shell oil are as follows: Excessive oil: Many car owners mistakenly believe that more oil is better. This is a misconception. There is a standard for oil quantity. If too much is added, it creates greater resistance to crankshaft rotation, affecting power output and increasing fuel consumption. Increased oil entering the combustion chamber leads to significantly more carbon deposits, increased piston movement resistance, reduced engine power, and a higher chance of knocking. Severe carbon deposits: Oil becomes thinner with use, leading to more carbon deposits. When new oil is added, the engine may not immediately adapt to the new oil's viscosity, causing higher RPMs and louder engine noise.
After switching to Shell engine oil, my engine noise increased, which worries me a bit. Last time I changed the oil, I used Shell's Helix Ultra series, thinking it was a good brand and didn't check the viscosity label carefully. Turns out the car manual recommends 5W-30, but I used 10W-40. Thicker oil provides insufficient lubrication during cold starts, leading to increased engine noise, making it sound like a rustling noise when driving. The new oil might not have fully broken in yet, with air bubbles affecting lubrication. It's recommended to first check the oil dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct, then drive a few hundred kilometers to see if it adapts. If the noise persists, visit a repair shop to check viscosity compatibility. Switching back to the manufacturer-recommended oil can prevent long-term wear, as excessive noise not only affects comfort but may also lead to increased engine fuel consumption. When changing oil, it's best to have the mechanic confirm the old oil is fully drained to avoid mixing.
