Why does the engine make a ticking sound after an oil change?
2 Answers
After changing the engine oil, the ticking sound from the engine mainly originates from the valve area. Below are the reasons for the abnormal noise: 1. The abnormal noise from the car's valves is likely due to the engine oil being either too viscous or too thin. If the oil viscosity is too thick, it will directly affect the normal operation of the hydraulic lifters (requiring greater resistance to overcome), preventing the oil from circulating properly, thus causing valve noise. 2. It is also related to the quality of the oil. Inferior oil often lacks good performance, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the valves. Therefore, when the engine starts, the valve area will produce a "ticking" abnormal sound.
I've encountered many cases of engine ticking after an oil change, mostly caused by inappropriate oil viscosity or incorrect oil level. If the oil is too thin, it flows too quickly with insufficient protection, increasing component friction and causing noise; if it's too thick, it doesn't flow easily, leading to inadequate lubrication. Too little oil results in poor lubrication, while too much increases internal pressure and damages seals. Another common factor is air trapped in the new oil—after a change, idling for a few minutes helps the system expel air bubbles. It could also be due to a loose or defective oil filter, disrupting oil circulation. My first recommendation is to check the dipstick level—it should be within the marked range; adjust by adding or draining oil if necessary. If the noise persists, consult a professional to inspect the hydraulic lifters or chain tensioner to prevent minor issues from escalating. Regular maintenance with oil types specified in the manual can prevent such troubles—safe driving relies on attention to detail.
