What Causes Increased Car Vibration After an Oil Change?
3 Answers
Reasons for increased car vibration after an oil change: 1. Incorrect oil type or excessive oil quantity; 2. Throttle valve stuck; 3. Moderate carbon buildup; 4. Increased oil viscosity leading to higher mechanical resistance. It's difficult to determine whether oil needs replacement by visual inspection alone. If oil isn't changed for extended periods, it accumulates significant impurities, which can eventually affect engine performance. Functions of engine oil: 1. Lubrication; 2. Auxiliary cooling; 3. Cleaning; 4. Reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering; 5. Protecting components from water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases; 6. Shock absorption; 7. Reducing wear caused by abrasive particles, surface fatigue, and adhesive wear.
I just encountered this situation where the engine shakes severely after an oil change, especially noticeable when idling at a red light. The main reasons could be: too much oil was added - an overfilled oil pan increases the crankshaft's rotational load, causing engine instability and vibration; or insufficient oil leading to inadequate lubrication and increased component friction. Another common issue is incorrect oil viscosity - if your car requires 5W-30 oil but you used thinner 0W-20 oil, its excessive fluidity creates too thin an oil film to cushion vibrations. Also, an improperly installed oil filter with damaged seals or not tightened enough can leak, causing pressure drops that induce shaking. I remember last time I changed the oil myself, a slightly loose filter made the car shake continuously. The solution is simple: first turn off the engine and let it cool for half an hour, then pull out the dipstick to check if the oil level is between the upper and lower limits - drain some if it's too much, add some if it's too low. If the level is correct but shaking persists, immediately return to the repair shop to check the filter and oil type - don't delay as severe shaking can shorten engine life. Regular maintenance with the right oil can prevent these issues.
Increased shaking after an oil change typically stems from several key factors. The primary cause may be oil viscosity mismatch—engines are designed for specific viscosity requirements. Switching to a thinner oil (e.g., changing from 10W-40 to 5W-30) can result in weaker oil films, increased friction, and more noticeable vibrations. Secondly, improper oil filter installation, such as a deformed gasket or insufficient tightening, may cause oil leaks and unstable pressure, affecting engine balance. Incorrect oil levels are also common: overfilling above the maximum mark makes crankshaft agitation difficult, increasing shaking, while insufficient oil leads to inadequate lubrication and part collisions. During the oil change, accidental disturbances to the ignition system—loosened spark plugs or poor sensor connections—though relatively rare, can occur. Immediately stop the vehicle and check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the middle range, adjusting if necessary. If normal, consider that the new oil may be cleaning internal engine deposits, temporarily exposing old issues that may improve after adaptation. Still, it’s advisable to visit a professional shop for diagnostics to test oil pressure and voltage, avoiding long-term engine damage. Using the manufacturer-recommended oil grade and regular maintenance can reduce such risks.
