What Causes Weak Acceleration and Dullness After an Oil Change?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons and solutions for experiencing weak acceleration and dullness after an oil change: 1. Incorrect oil quantity. When changing the oil, there is a specified standard. If too much oil is added, the crankshaft will require more effort to rotate, necessitating greater power to drive it, resulting in weak acceleration. Excessive oil may leak into the combustion chamber, leading to rapid oil consumption and engine carbon buildup, which can damage the engine. Insufficient oil means parts won't be adequately lubricated, reducing power. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add oil until it reaches just above the midpoint. This ensures proper engine lubrication without excessive pressure on the crankshaft. 2. Oil and engine mismatch. Different engines require different oils. Weak acceleration after an oil change may indicate a mismatch. High viscosity makes crankshaft rotation difficult, while low viscosity means the engine isn't suited for that oil, causing noise. It's recommended to change the oil again, following the oil standards specified in the car manual. 3. Clogged oil filter or severe carbon buildup. The oil filter should usually be replaced during an oil change. If a clogged filter isn't replaced in time, oil will bypass through the relief valve, leading to reduced car power and increased engine wear.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe the issue of sluggish acceleration and a dull feeling after an oil change might be related to the oil viscosity. For instance, if the new oil is much thicker than the old one, internal engine friction increases, throttle response becomes sluggish, and acceleration naturally feels dull. That time I switched to a so-called "high-performance" oil, my car felt like it was dragging a heavy load, taking forever to speed up when I stepped on the gas. It could also be due to overfilling or underfilling the oil, causing uneven engine lubrication, or air getting trapped in the oil passages during the change. Try checking the dipstick yourself to ensure the oil level is in the middle, and if necessary, switch back to the original oil specification. Experience shows that choosing oil that matches the vehicle's specifications is crucial—oil that's too thick or too thin can cause problems. Also, don’t forget that a loose oil filter can lead to pressure loss, affecting performance. In short, always consult the manual before making changes to avoid rework.
