Why Does the Car Jerk When Starting After an Oil Change?
3 Answers
Reasons for jerking when starting after an oil change: Engine Oil: The oil does not meet the standard or too much oil has been added. Generally, the oil level should be kept between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. Try not to let it fall below the middle mark, as insufficient oil will reduce lubrication. A little above the middle is acceptable, but never exceed the upper limit on the dipstick. Otherwise, it will create unnecessary resistance to the crankshaft rotation, affecting power output and increasing fuel consumption. Break-in Period: After the break-in period of a new car, the engine noise may increase slightly, and fuel consumption will decrease. Viscosity: New oil has higher viscosity, which increases mechanical resistance and cylinder pressure.
I recently experienced jerking during startup after an oil change, and after discussing with friends, we concluded it was mainly due to incorrect oil viscosity selection. The pistons in the engine require oil of a specific thickness for lubrication during cold starts. If you use oil that's too thin or too thick—for example, if the manufacturer recommends 5W-30 but you switch to 10W-40—the oil temperature can't keep up, causing jerky movement. Additionally, overfilling or underfilling the oil is quite common. Too much oil increases internal pressure, overloading the engine, while too little leads to increased friction between components. I always check the oil level using the dipstick to ensure it's between the middle marks—just pull it out from the engine cover. If the oil filter isn't tightened properly or air gets in during the oil change, the system may take a few days to purge. If self-checks don't resolve the issue, I recommend visiting a mechanic promptly to avoid long-term engine damage and driving safety risks. Don't underestimate this jerking—it can reveal underlying maintenance mistakes.
Last week after I changed the engine oil and drove, the car suddenly shuddered when starting, which really bothered me. It might be because there were air bubbles in the new oil that weren't fully purged, and the system needed time to adjust, or the oil quality was poor and couldn't properly adhere to the metal parts. During the initial driving phase, every acceleration felt jerky, as if the engine was protesting. I searched online and found that oil level control is crucial. Too much oil can overflow and affect engine operation; too little means insufficient lubrication, causing the pistons to rebound unevenly. Misalignment of the oil filter during the oil change could also lead to leaks or blockages. In short, unstable starts aren't just minor issues—they indicate problems with the oil change process. The lesson I learned is to read the manual next time I change the oil myself, choose the right oil type, and ensure the quantity is correct. Addressing issues promptly saves time and effort.
