Have you recently taken your car in for an oil change only to discover that it is now jerking? If so, you may be wondering why this is happening. You may think something went wrong with the oil change, or you need a new part for your car. This blog post will look at the possible causes and solutions for why your car is jerking after an oil change. Keep reading to learn more!
Causes of Car Jerking After an Oil Change
Low Oil Level
When an oil change is performed, it is essential to ensure that the correct amount of oil is added. If too much or too little oil is added, it can cause the vehicle to jerk after the oil change. Low oil levels can cause the engine to work harder than usual, leading to jerking. This is because the engine is not getting enough lubrication. This can cause the engine to run hotter than normal, leading to further damage.
The best way to avoid this problem is to check the owner’s manual for the correct oil level. It is essential to check the oil level before and after the oil change. If the oil level is found to be low, then you should add additional oil. It is also important to note that the engine should be run for at least 5 minutes after an oil change to ensure that the oil level is correct.
Faulty Spark Plugs
The purpose of spark plugs is to ignite the air-fuel mixture within the engine. When a spark plug is faulty, the fuel mixture is not ignited correctly, leading to a jerking or bucking sensation when accelerating. This is especially true after an oil change, as the air-fuel combination has been recently changed, and the spark plug’s ability to ignite it is compromised.
When it comes to a car jerking after an oil change, spark plugs are usually the culprits. The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your engine, and if they are not functioning correctly, it could lead to a misfire of the engine, resulting in jerking. The misfire could be caused by several factors, including a worn spark plug, a clogged spark plug, or even a faulty spark plug.
If your car is jerking after an oil change, the first step is to check the spark plugs. By visually inspecting the spark plugs, you can determine if they are damaged or clogged. If they are damaged, you should replace them immediately. If the spark plugs are clogged, you can clean them with a unique cleaning tool.
Leaking Vacuum Hose
A vacuum hose is a flexible tube used to connect an engine’s components. It is typically made of rubber or plastic and transfers vacuum pressure from one element to another. Vacuum hoses can become worn over time, leading to cracks and leaks. When this happens, the vacuum pressure cannot transfer correctly, resulting in the car jerking.
Oil changes can cause leaking vacuum hoses. During an oil change, the oil is drained out of the engine and replaced. This process can cause the vacuum hoses to become loose or even break. If the hoses are flexible, they can cause the vacuum pressure to transfer improperly, leading to car jerking.
Various issues can cause car jerking, but leaking vacuum hoses are one of the most common causes. When the vacuum pressure cannot transfer correctly, it causes a sudden change in engine speed. This sudden rate increase can cause the car to jerk or lurch forward. It may also cause the engine to cut out or run rough.
Engine Misfiring
One of the most common problems drivers face after an oil change is car jerking caused by engine misfiring. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous experience, as it can cause your car to lurch forward suddenly and unexpectedly. Fortunately, understanding what is causing the misfiring can help you identify and fix the issue to get your car running smoothly again.
When an engine misfires, it is usually due to a lack of fuel reaching the combustion chamber. This is caused by various reasons, including a dirty or clogged fuel filter, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or a weak spark plug. In some cases, the issue may be caused by a problem with the fuel injector, which will need to be replaced.
When it comes to oil changes, the most common cause of engine misfiring is a dirty or clogged oil filter. If your oil filter is clogged or dirty, it can prevent the fuel from reaching the combustion chamber. As a result, your engine will be unable to ignite the fuel, resulting in a misfire.
In addition to a dirty or clogged oil filter, your engine may also be misfiring due to a weak spark plug. The spark plug is responsible for delivering the spark necessary to ignite the fuel, so if the spark plug is soft or worn out, your engine may be unable to ignite the fuel and cause a misfire.
Finally, a malfunctioning fuel pump can also cause your engine to misfire. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering the fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion chamber, so if it is not functioning correctly, it can result in a misfire.
Incorrectly Tightened Oil Drain Plug
Oil changes are essential to keeping your car in good running order. Changing the oil helps to keep the engine lubricated, which reduces friction and helps to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But if the oil drain plug is not tightened correctly after an oil change, it can cause your car to jerk and shudder or even stall.
The oil drain plug is a small metal or plastic plug located at the bottom of the oil pan. It is responsible for keeping the oil in the engine while it is being changed and when it is draining back into the oil pan. If the oil drain plug is loose, it can cause oil to leak out of the engine, which can cause your car to jerk or shudder.
It is crucial to ensure that you are tightening the oil drain plug correctly after an oil change. Make sure to use a torque wrench to ensure that the plug is pulled perfectly. If the pin is too loose, it can allow oil to leak out, which can cause your car to jerk and shudder, or even stall.
How to Fix Car Jerking After an Oil Change
Add Oil
The first and most obvious step when your car is jerking after an oil change is to top up the oil. If you’ve recently changed the oil, the new oil is likely a little thicker than the old oil, causing the engine to need more lubrication. A simple top-up of oil should do the trick in this case.
Replace Spark Plugs
If you’re still experiencing jerking after you’ve added more oil, then it’s likely that something else is going on. A common cause of jerking is a bad spark plug. If a spark plug isn’t firing correctly, it can cause the engine to misfire and jerk.
It’s essential to replace a spark plug as soon as possible when this happens. This will help ensure that the correct amount of power is being created in the engine and that the jerking behavior stops.
Repair Vacuum Hose
Another issue that can cause car jerking is a faulty vacuum hose. This hose is responsible for controlling the air and fuel mixture that is fed to the engine. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause the engine to misfire, resulting in jerking behavior.
Check the vacuum hose for any cracks or leaks and replace it if necessary. This reasonably simple fix can help reduce jerking in many cases.
Repair Engine Misfiring
If all else fails and your car is still jerking after an oil change and other fixes, it’s likely a misfiring issue. A misfiring engine can cause jerking, especially when the engine is cold.
To fix this, you’ll need to take your car to a qualified mechanic who can inspect and diagnose the problem. They’ll be able to identify faulty parts or components and repair or replace them as necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a car jerking after an oil change can be caused by various issues, ranging from a dirty filter to an old fuel pump. It is essential to inspect the vehicle and have any necessary repairs made to ensure it is in proper working order. Furthermore, regular oil changes will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and reduce the chances of your car jerking after an oil change.
