What to Do When Engine Noise Increases After an Oil Change?

[AndrewLynn]

Increased engine noise after an oil change is a common issue, often caused by overfilling the engine oil. This can lead to greater resistance during crankshaft rotation, resulting in reduced engine power and altered air-fuel ratios in the combustion chamber, which increases the likelihood of knocking and consequently raises noise levels. Here’s some relevant information about engine oil: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves multiple functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, aiding in cooling, sealing against leaks, preventing rust and corrosion, and acting as a shock absorber. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. 2. Composition: Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives are used to compensate for and enhance the performance shortcomings of the base oil, providing additional beneficial properties. Additives are a crucial part of lubricants.

[AsherLee]

I just changed the oil and noticed the engine noise got louder—turns out I overfilled it. Checking the dipstick, the oil level was above the max mark, and the churning foam caused the noise. After removing some oil, the noise reduced. If the oil viscosity is wrong, like using SAE 10W-40 when the car requires 5W-30, increased friction can make it noisier—switching back to the right oil fixes it. Also, a loosely installed oil filter can leak and cause noise; my friend’s car had to go back to the shop for this. Check under the chassis for oil stains. The noise might also come from low-quality or contaminated new oil—using a reputable synthetic brand is safer. Drive for a few minutes to let the oil circulate and observe noise changes. I’d recommend visiting a professional shop soon to avoid engine wear. My own lesson: Don’t ignore this warning—regular maintenance with the correct specs is key to preventing noise.

[Miguel]

Increased noise after an oil change is usually caused by incorrect oil viscosity. Manufacturers specify SAE grades - too high makes pumping difficult, too low leads to insufficient lubrication, both increasing friction noise. I recommend first checking the owner's manual for the correct oil type; noise often disappears after switching. Oil filter installation issues are also common - misalignment or old filter blockage affects oil pressure causing noise; replace it and ensure proper sealing. Oil level check is crucial: after engine off, verify the dipstick shows between marks - overfilling causes aeration, underfilling leads to oil starvation. Low-quality new oil can also be a factor; using reputable brands reduces risks. If self-adjustments don't help, take a short test drive to observe temperature effects - noise differences between cold/hot states may indicate specific issues. Best consult a professional technician to diagnose root causes, preventing minor issues from becoming major repairs.

[SanLola]

The engine noise after an oil change is really annoying. I suggest turning off the engine and waiting a few minutes first, then checking the oil level with the dipstick. If it's too high, drain some out; if too low, add oil and restart to observe noise changes. Inspect the undercarriage for any oil leakage signs—the filter might not be installed properly. If the new oil's viscosity is incorrect, switch to the recommended grade. Drive for a few minutes to circulate the oil; noise often subsides. If the noise persists, avoid forcing operation to prevent engine damage and seek a technician's inspection. For daily maintenance, ensure using the correct oil quantity and change it regularly.