What causes abnormal engine noise after an oil change?
4 Answers
The reasons for abnormal engine noise after an oil change are: 1. Overfilling of engine oil; 2. Using oil with inappropriate viscosity. The procedure for changing engine oil is: 1. Start the engine to warm up and bring the transmission to operating temperature; 2. Remove the drain bolt to collect the old oil from the transmission; 3. After draining the old oil completely, remove the oil pan to replace the transmission filter; 4. Reinstall the oil pan and tighten the drain plug; 5. Add new transmission oil; 6. Start the vehicle and shift through all gears; 7. Check the automatic transmission fluid level and adjust if necessary. Precautions for oil change include: 1. Perform the change when the engine is warm to ensure complete drainage of old oil; 2. Add the correct amount of new oil; 3. After adding oil, start the engine to check for leaks, then run the engine for 3 minutes to confirm the oil level reaches the normal mark.
I just changed the oil and the engine started making strange noises. I have experience with this—it's usually caused by improper installation. For example, if the oil filter isn't tightened properly, air can get in, creating bubbles that prevent the oil from pumping smoothly, resulting in a knocking sound when starting the engine. Or, if the oil level is too low, insufficient lubrication can cause friction noises during piston movement. Last week, I changed the oil myself, and the filter leaked oil—I had to add some fresh oil to stop the noise. My advice is to first check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct, typically between the two marked lines. One important reminder: don’t delay fixing this issue, as unstable oil pressure can wear out components and potentially ruin the engine. It’s best to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.
I usually enjoy maintaining my car, but this time after changing the oil, the engine suddenly started making constant noise, which is quite concerning. There are several common causes: overfilling the oil can lead to excessive oil pressure, causing the pump to work harder and produce a buzzing sound; using oil with the wrong viscosity, such as oil that's too thin, may not protect the engine components properly, leading to increased friction noise; and if the oil filter is installed incorrectly, it can also cause strange noises. I had a similar experience last time—after changing the oil, the level wasn't right, resulting in persistent noise. Later, I checked with the dipstick and found the oil was low. After topping it up to the proper level, the noise stopped. Remember to start the engine and test it for five minutes after an oil change to ensure the sound is normal. Address any issues early to prevent them from worsening.
I've seen many cases of abnormal noises after oil changes, mainly due to operational errors. The filter wasn't installed securely, causing oil leaks or air intake; the oil level was too high or too low, resulting in poor lubrication and friction sounds; the new oil viscosity was inappropriate, leading to insufficient lubrication and component knocking. The solution is simple: first, check the oil level with a dipstick to ensure it's within the normal range; if the noise persists, it might be a more serious pump issue, so head to the repair shop immediately for inspection. Avoid driving recklessly to prevent engine wear.
