An oil change is one of the easiest maintenance tasks that you can perform on your car. It’s straightforward, doesn’t take very long, and it has a direct impact on the performance and longevity of your car. An oil change helps clean out old oil that has degraded and also replaces it with fresh new oil. The new oil has properties that are better suited for the stresses and strains the engine experiences during operation. Regular oil changes can help prevent problems from arising further down the line such as potential engine failure or even catastrophic failure like an engine explosion. Most modern cars have sensors to remind you when it’s time for another oil change. However, if you own an older car or a car without these sensors, then it may be worth getting in touch with your manufacturer. Below, we’ll provide an answer to the question why is my car shaking after an oil change, we will also supply related frequently asked questions and provide answers as we go.
Why is my car shaking after an oil change?
Adding too much engine oil past the maximum limit is one of the most common reasons of a shaking engine following an oil change.
When you put too much oil in your car’s engine, the crankshaft dips into the oil and forms froth when the engine is operating at high RPMs. These air bubbles prevent the oil from properly forming a thin layer over the rubbing bodies, causing instability in the system.
Increased vibrations from the engine bay can be felt in the cabin as a result of this. If you drain the oil too quickly, some of the old oil may remain inside the engine. And, even when the recommended amount of new oil is poured, the oil level exceeds the maximum advised limit.
Before pouring the fresh oil, make sure the old one has been completely drained.
Other possible reasons are;
- Excessive oil,
- Insufficient Oil,
- Blocked Air filter,
- Worn out oil pressure sensor.
1. Excessive oil
Always use the engine oil quality and quantity recommended in your owner’s manual. When your engine has too much oil, the oil level rises to the point where it floods your crankshaft, which is not natural.
As your crankshaft spins, froth and bubbles build up around it, preventing the oil from adequately lubricating your engine’s internal components. Friction might occur if your engine’s internals aren’t properly maintained, resulting in obvious engine vibrations and shaking.
Your engine’s oil level may surpass the permitted level if you don’t drain your old oil properly before pouring new oil. To drain your old oil properly, park your vehicle on a flat area.
After that, let your engine idle for around 10 minutes to warm up the oil. Old oil drains that are hot or warm are preferred to cold oil drains since they are less likely to leave deposits in your engine. Always withdraw your hand away from the oil plug after removing it when extracting the oil. It protects your skin from being burned or harmed by hot oil.
Wear gloves as well when changing the oil. Allow the oil to flow freely until it reaches the last drop. Clean your engine with a flushing substance that has degreasing properties before pouring your new oil.
2. Insufficient Oil
Due to low oil levels, you may feel a rough idle and strange vibrations while driving as your engine’s internal components grind against one another. Some drivers make the mistake of simply refueling their vehicles. They close the lid and call it a day when it reaches the neck of the oil cap.
After removing your old oil and cleaning your engine, there should be no oil left. After allowing the new engine oil to circulate thoroughly, you’ll need to add a little more oil. Allow additional oil to settle when it reaches the neck of your oil cap, and you’ll see the level dropping.
Start your engine and wait for the oil to pour. As a result, your oil level will continue to drop. Allow your engine to run for a few minutes before refilling the oil to the neck of the oil cap. After a few minutes of driving, though, you may notice some shaking. It’s less likely to happen right after an oil change. You can feel a small jolt while starting your car if the oil in your engine isn’t circulated evenly.
3. Blocked Air filter
Filtration of your motor oil is dependent on your oil filter. Because less oil passes through your engine components if your oil filter is unclean or blocked, your engine internals will not receive adequate oil.
As a result, the internal components grind against one another at high friction, causing rattling noises and vibrations. It’s best to replace your oil filter every time you change your oil. Cleaning and reusing your oil filter is an option, however it is not recommended, and a new oil filter is required.
Reusing your oil filter will contaminate your new engine oil because it will not efficiently filter your oil. Engine oil that has been contaminated will not adequately lubricate the internals of your engine. After you’ve been using your oil for a while, you’ll notice vibrations and shakings that get stronger with time.
4. Worn out oil pressure sensor
When changing oil, some drivers remove the oil sensor to clean it. This is commonly done to remove contaminants from old oil, which is not a bad thing. But what if you put the oil pressure sensor back in the wrong way?
In that situation, the oil levels will not be inaccurately calculated. You might not be aware that your engine oil levels are low.
Low engine oil generates internal friction, which causes your automobile to vibrate after an oil change.
When changing oil, the oil pressure sensor does not need to be removed. Flush the engine with an engine flushing chemical to clean it while it’s still in there.
Any deposits on the oil pressure sensor will be removed. Alternatively, remove the oil pressure sensor and clean it.
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Q1. Can low engine oil cause shaking?
Low engine oil can cause shaking in the car due to a number of reasons. A rocker arm on a piston-like lifter might not be properly seated and will make the camshaft wobble. If the cylinder head is cracked or warped, the pistons and bearings may be damaged. On older cars without crank-position sensors, an electrical component called a distributor can become loose and rattling around in its housing causing an audible noise like you described. It’s possible that the transmission fluid or filter are low or dirty and need replacing or servicing.
Q2. Can I drive my car if the engine is shaking?
Generally, once your car starts shaking it’s best to not drive it until you can have it checked. If you don’t feel like having your car checked right away and want to drive it anyway, make sure you don’t go over 45 mph on the highway, or 30 mph in a residential area. Also make room for at least a one-car length gap between your vehicle and the car ahead of you.
Q3. Can you feel the difference after an oil change?
You can feel the difference after you get your car’s oil changed. It will run smoother, longer and help protect all the valuable parts of your vehicle, like brakes and fuel injectors. An oil change is also a good time to check other things like your tires and fluid levels.
Q4. Is it OK to add new oil to old oil?
You can add oil to your old oil, but we don’t recommend it. In general, when adding oil to your car, you should always use new oil and add the correct amount of it.
The amount of oil you add to your engine depends on the grade and viscosity required by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Engine oil isn’t like motor oil, however. If a bit of the old oil has already been used up, adding new oil will not “fix” an old engine – especially if your engine has over 80,000 miles on it. You may need to replace the whole engine soon (or sooner).
Q5. How long should I wait to start my car after adding oil?
Most vehicles need to cool down for at least a few minutes after an oil change. If you immediately drive your car, excess heat from the engine can cause the oil to overheat and burn up. Allow 10 to 15 minutes before starting your vehicle after adding oil.
Q6. Does my engine need to be cold to add oil?
Your engine can be hot, cold, or warm. The important thing is to make sure it’s warmed up or cooled down before adding oil. If the oil is added to a very hot engine, it will burn off and not protect your engine like it should.
Why is my car shaking after an oil change? – Summary.
In summary, we had replied earlier that, “Adding too much engine oil past the maximum limit is one of the most common reasons of a shaking engine following an oil change.
When you put too much oil in your car’s engine, the crankshaft dips into the oil and forms froth when the engine is operating at high RPMs. These air bubbles prevent the oil from properly forming a thin layer over the rubbing bodies, causing instability in the system”.
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