Why is My Car Shaking After Oil Change? Find Out the Causes

If your car is shaking after an oil change, it is likely due to low or high oil levels or the use of incorrect viscosity engine oil. Improper installation or lack of lubrication on motor mounts can also cause vibration.

It is important to check the oil level and ensure everything under the hood is in proper working condition. If the issue persists, it may be a sign of oil leakage or foaming due to excessive oil, which can affect engine performance and cause shaking.

Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage to your car.

Improper Installation Or Lack Of Lubrication

After an oil change, if your car is shaking, it could be due to improper installation or lack of lubrication on parts like motor mounts. Low or high oil levels, as well as using the wrong viscosity engine oil, can also contribute to this issue.

Make sure to check these factors to resolve the problem.

After getting an oil change for your car, it can be frustrating to discover that it is now shaking. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, but one common culprit is improper installation or lack of lubrication on important parts such as motor mounts. When these parts are not properly lubricated, friction can occur, resulting in the shaking sensation. Let’s take a closer look at some specific issues that can arise from this:

Motor Mounts And Other Parts Not Properly Lubricated

One of the main reasons why your car may shake after an oil change is the improper lubrication of motor mounts and other essential parts. Motor mounts play a crucial role in stabilizing the engine and preventing excessive vibrations. When these mounts are not adequately lubricated, friction between the engine and the car’s chassis can occur, leading to shaking or vibration.In addition to motor mounts, there are other components that require proper lubrication for smooth operation. These may include bushings, suspension components, and even the driveshaft. Without sufficient lubrication, these parts can wear out faster, causing imbalances that result in shaking or vibrating sensations.

Effects Of Low Or High Oil Levels

Aside from improper lubrication, incorrect oil levels can also cause your car to shake after an oil change. Low oil levels can lead to inadequate lubrication, resulting in increased friction and vibrations. On the other hand, having too much oil in the engine can cause excessive foaming, leading to improper lubrication and engine inefficiency.It’s essential to ensure that your oil level is within the recommended range specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Regularly checking the oil level and topping it up or draining excess oil can help prevent shaking and other potential issues associated with incorrect oil levels.

Impact Of Using Less Or More Viscous Engine Oil

Using the wrong viscosity of engine oil can affect your car’s performance and contribute to shaking after an oil change. The viscosity of oil refers to its resistance to flow, and different engines require specific oil viscosities for optimal operation.Using oil that is too thick or too thin can create problems. If the oil is too thick, it may struggle to flow properly through the engine, leading to increased resistance and vibrations. On the other hand, using oil that is too thin may not provide sufficient lubrication, resulting in increased friction and shaking.To prevent shaking caused by the viscosity of engine oil, it’s crucial to use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. This information can typically be found in the owner’s manual or on the oil cap under the hood.In conclusion, improper installation or lack of lubrication is a significant factor that can cause your car to shake after an oil change. Ensuring that motor mounts and other vital parts are properly lubricated, maintaining correct oil levels, and using the appropriate viscosity of engine oil can help prevent this issue and keep your car running smoothly.

Credit: gtautomotive.com

Malfunctioning Oil Pressure Sensor

One possible reason why your car is shaking after an oil change is a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor. The oil pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the oil pressure within the engine. If the sensor is malfunctioning, it may send incorrect signals to the engine control unit (ECU), which can lead to a variety of issues, including engine misfires and rough idle.

How A Malfunctioning Oil Pressure Sensor Can Cause Shaking

A malfunctioning oil pressure sensor can cause your car to shake due to a disruption in the engine’s performance. The sensor plays a crucial role in detecting the pressure of the oil flowing through the engine. If the sensor fails to accurately measure the oil pressure, the ECU may not be able to regulate the engine’s fuel-air mixture properly, leading to engine misfires and vibrations.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor

A faulty oil pressure sensor can exhibit several signs and symptoms that indicate its malfunction. It’s essential to be aware of these symptoms to address the issue promptly:

1. Rough idle: A faulty oil pressure sensor can cause your car’s engine to idle roughly, resulting in noticeable vibrations.
2. Engine misfires: Misfiring occurs when the fuel in the combustion chamber of the engine fails to ignite at the right time. A malfunctioning oil pressure sensor can disrupt the engine’s fuel-air mixture, leading to misfires and subsequent vibrations.
3. Fluctuating oil pressure readings: If your oil pressure gauge shows inconsistent or abnormal readings, it could be a sign of a faulty sensor. Fluctuating oil pressure can cause engine performance issues and ultimately result in shaking.
4. Check engine light: A malfunctioning oil pressure sensor can trigger the check engine light on your dashboard. This warning indicator signals potential engine problems, including shaking.

If you notice any of these symptoms after an oil change, it’s crucial to have your oil pressure sensor inspected and potentially replaced by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring the issue could lead to further engine damage and more severe shaking.

Low Engine Oil Levels

After an oil change, if your car is shaking, it could be due to low engine oil levels. Improper installation or lubrication on parts like motor mounts can also cause vibrations. Make sure to check your oil level and inspect all components under the hood for any issues.

Effects Of Low Engine Oil Levels On Car Performance

When it comes to maintaining your car’s engine health, one of the crucial factors to consider is the oil level. Low engine oil levels can have detrimental effects on your car’s performance, leading to various issues and even causing your car to shake after an oil change. It is essential to understand the effects of low engine oil levels on your car’s performance to address the problem effectively.

How Low Oil Levels Can Lead To Shaking And Vibrations

1. Increased friction: When the engine oil level is low, it fails to lubricate the engine components adequately. This leads to increased friction between the various moving parts, such as the pistons, crankshaft, and bearings. The lack of proper lubrication and the resulting friction can cause vibrations and shaking in your car, especially during idling or acceleration.2. Overheating: Engine oil not only lubricates the moving parts but also helps in dissipating heat. When the oil level is low, it cannot effectively absorb and distribute the heat generated by the engine. This can result in overheating, leading to further engine issues and potentially shaking and vibrations.3. Increased wear and tear: Insufficient lubrication due to low oil levels can cause excessive wear and tear on the engine components. The lack of a protective layer of oil can lead to metal-on-metal contact, resulting in damage to the engine’s internal parts. This increased wear and tear can contribute to shaking and vibrations in your car, affecting its overall performance.4. Reduced engine performance: Low engine oil levels can impact the overall performance of your car’s engine. The engine may struggle to function optimally, leading to a decrease in power and efficiency. This decrease in performance can manifest as shaking and vibrations, especially during acceleration or when the engine is under load.Ensuring that your car has adequate engine oil levels is crucial for maintaining its performance and preventing issues such as shaking and vibrations. Regularly checking the oil level and promptly addressing any deficiencies can help avoid potential problems. Remember, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic if you experience persistent shaking and vibrations after an oil change, as they can identify and resolve any underlying issues effectively.

Too Much Engine Oil

If your car is shaking after an oil change, it could be due to using too much engine oil. This can cause the oil to foam or aerate, leading to vibrations and potential engine damage. It’s important to ensure the proper oil level and viscosity for smooth operation.

Effects Of Overfilling Engine Oil

Overfilling engine oil can have several detrimental effects on your car’s performance and overall engine health. It is important to understand the potential risks and consequences of having too much oil in your vehicle.

The Potential Risks And Consequences Of Too Much Oil

• Aeration of oil: When there is too much oil in the engine, it can cause foaming or aeration of the oil. This is because the excess oil takes up space in the crankcase, leading to the oil being whipped and creating air bubbles. As a result, the oil becomes less effective in lubricating the engine parts, leading to increased friction and potential damage.
• Inefficient cooling: The oil in your engine plays a crucial role in cooling down various engine components, such as the pistons and bearings. However, when there is an excess amount of oil, it can hinder the cooling process. This can lead to overheating of the engine, which can cause further damage and potential engine failure.
• Increased pressure: Too much oil can also increase the pressure inside the engine. This can put strain on various engine components, such as the seals and gaskets, leading to leaks and potential engine oil contamination. Additionally, the increased pressure can cause excessive strain on the oil pump, resulting in decreased efficiency and potential pump failure.
• Lack of lubrication: Surprisingly, having too much oil can actually lead to inadequate lubrication. This is because the excess oil can interfere with the proper flow and circulation of the oil, preventing it from reaching all the necessary engine parts. Without proper lubrication, the engine components can grind against each other, resulting in increased friction, wear, and potential damage.

Overall, it is essential to maintain the correct oil level in your engine to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Overfilling your engine oil can lead to numerous risks and consequences that can be detrimental to your vehicle. If you suspect that you have too much oil in your engine, it is best to have it resolved as soon as possible to avoid any further damage or complications.

Clogged Oil Filter

After an oil change, if your car is shaking, it could be due to a clogged oil filter. Low or high oil levels, using the wrong viscosity oil, or improper installation can also contribute to the problem. Make sure to check the oil level and address any issues under the hood.

How A Clogged Oil Filter Affects Engine Performance

A clogged oil filter can have a significant impact on your engine’s performance and can be one of the reasons why your car is shaking after an oil change. The oil filter plays a crucial role in removing impurities and contaminants from the engine oil, ensuring that only clean oil circulates throughout the engine.

When the oil filter becomes clogged, it restricts the flow of oil, leading to a decrease in oil pressure within the engine. This can cause several issues:

1. 1. Lack of lubrication: The engine relies on proper lubrication to reduce friction between moving parts. When the oil filter is clogged, it hampers the oil flow, resulting in inadequate lubrication. This lack of lubrication can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine components, ultimately affecting their performance and causing vibrations.
2. 2. Increased heat: The oil also helps in dissipating heat generated by the engine. When the oil flow is restricted due to a clogged filter, the excess heat accumulates, leading to overheating. High engine temperatures can have a detrimental effect on various components, causing them to malfunction and contribute to the car shaking.
3. 3. Contaminant buildup: A clogged oil filter fails to efficiently filter out impurities and debris, allowing these contaminants to accumulate in the engine. Over time, these deposits can cause blockages in the oil passages and affect the overall performance of the engine, resulting in vibrations.

Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the oil filter is regularly inspected and replaced as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. A clean and properly functioning oil filter will help maintain the overall health of your engine, ensuring smooth performance and preventing unnecessary vibrations.

Possible Oil Leakage

After an oil change, it is possible for your car to shake due to various reasons such as low or high oil levels, using the wrong engine oil viscosity, or oil leakage. Improper installation or lack of lubrication on parts like motor mounts can also cause vibrations.

H3how Oil Leakage Can Lead To Car Shaking After An Oil Change/h3

One issue that can cause your car to shake after an oil change is oil leakage. When oil is leaking from your car, it can affect the engine’s performance and lead to vibrations and shaking. Oil acts as a lubricant for various moving parts in the engine, ensuring smooth operation. If the oil is leaking, certain components may not receive enough lubrication, causing friction and vibrations.

Signs And Indications Of Oil Leakage In A Vehicle

It is important to be aware of the signs of oil leakage so that you can address the issue promptly. Some common indications of oil leakage in a vehicle include:

• Puddles or stains of oil under the car
• Burning oil smell
• Oil level consistently decreasing
• Engine overheating
• Visible oil on engine components

If you notice any of these signs, it is recommended to have your car inspected by a mechanic to identify and repair the source of the oil leakage. Ignoring oil leakage can lead to further damage to the engine and contribute to the shaking issue.

Proper installation and maintenance of the oil system is crucial to prevent oil leakage. This includes ensuring that gaskets, seals, and oil filters are in good condition and properly installed. Regularly checking the oil level and addressing any leaks immediately can help minimize the chances of experiencing car shaking after an oil change.

Remember, a smooth running engine is essential for overall car performance, and addressing oil leakage is an important step towards resolving the shaking issue.

Impact Of Foamy Or Aerated Oil

One possible reason for your car shaking after an oil change is the presence of foamy or aerated oil. This can occur if the oil levels are too low or too high, or if the wrong viscosity oil is used.

It’s important to check the oil level and ensure proper lubrication to prevent this problem.

How Excessive Oil Can Aerate And Cause Engine Issues

One of the major culprits behind car shaking after an oil change is the presence of foamy or aerated oil. Excessive amounts of oil can lead to aeration, which is the introduction of air or gas bubbles into the oil. This can have a detrimental effect on the engine’s performance and overall smoothness of operation. It is crucial to understand how excessive oil can aerate and cause engine issues to address the problem effectively.

The Consequences Of Foamy Or Aerated Oil On Car Performance

When foamy or aerated oil circulates through the engine, it fails to lubricate and protect the internal components adequately. This can lead to a host of issues that negatively impact car performance. Some of the consequences of foamy or aerated oil include:

1. Reduced lubrication: Foamy or aerated oil fails to provide the necessary lubrication that the engine components require for smooth operation. This can result in increased friction and wear, leading to premature component failure.
2. Decreased oil pressure: The presence of air or gas bubbles in the oil can cause a drop in oil pressure. This can affect the engine’s ability to maintain consistent oil flow, resulting in poor performance, including car shaking.
3. Impeded heat dissipation: Foamy or aerated oil is less effective in dissipating heat generated by the engine. This can lead to excessive heat buildup, which can further contribute to engine issues such as overheating and reduced efficiency.
4. Increased engine noise: When the oil’s consistency is compromised due to aeration, it can result in increased engine noise. This is because the thin, foamy oil fails to provide the necessary cushioning and damping effect, leading to louder and harsher engine sounds.
5. Loss of fuel efficiency: Foamy or aerated oil tends to have reduced viscosity, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency. The engine has to work harder to compensate for the lack of proper lubrication, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
6. Unstable engine operation: The presence of air or gas bubbles in the oil can cause the engine to operate erratically. This includes experiencing vibrations, misfires, and hesitation, leading to a rough and unstable driving experience.

It is essential to address the issue of foamy or aerated oil promptly to avoid further damage and ensure optimal car performance. Regular oil level checks, using the recommended oil viscosity, and ensuring proper lubrication are crucial steps in preventing the occurrence of car shaking after an oil change.

Frequently Asked Questions On Why Is My Car Shaking After Oil Change

Why Is My Car Running Rough After An Oil Change?

A rough-running car after an oil change can be caused by low or high oil levels, using the wrong engine oil viscosity, improper installation, lack of lubrication on parts, oil leakage, or a clogged oil filter. It’s important to check your oil level and ensure proper lubrication and installation during an oil change.

Can Bad Oil Cause Car To Shake?

Yes, bad oil can cause a car to shake. This can happen if the oil levels are too low or too high, or if the engine oil is of the wrong viscosity. Improper installation or lack of lubrication on parts like motor mounts can also lead to vibration after an oil change.

Can Too Much Oil Cause Vibration?

Yes, too much oil can cause vibration in a car. When the oil levels are too high, the crankshaft can whip the oil and cause it to foam, leading to vibrations. Using less or more viscous engine oil can also result in this problem.

It is important to check the oil level and use the correct type of oil to prevent vibrations after an oil change.

Does Engine Oil Affect Vibration?

Yes, engine oil can affect vibration. Using low or high levels of oil, as well as using oil with improper viscosity, can lead to vibrations in the engine.

Why Is My Car Shaking After An Oil Change?

After an oil change, your car may shake due to low or high oil levels, or using the wrong viscosity of engine oil. Improper installation or lack of lubrication on motor mounts can also cause vibration.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing car shaking after an oil change, there are several potential causes to consider. Low or high oil levels, using the wrong viscosity oil, improper installation, lack of lubrication on parts, oil leakage, or even too much oil can all lead to vibrations.

It is important to check your oil level, ensure proper installation, and use the correct type and amount of oil to prevent shaking after an oil change.