Car Smoking After Oil Change (Here’s Why)

Car smoking after an oil change can be very concerning. Identifying and addressing the root cause is important to ensure the smooth operation and performance of your car.

So, what causes a car to smoke after an oil change?

Reasons for car smoking after oil change

Here’s why car smoking after oil change happens:

1. You have an oil spillage

Oil spillage during an oil change can occur when the oil is being drained or when removing and replacing the oil filter.

If any oil drips onto the hot engine components or exhaust system during these processes, it can result in smoke when the engine is started and heated up.

Signs of oil spillage include:

Smoke and burning smell: Visible smoke may appear from the engine or exhaust due to the spilled oil burning off when the engine heats up. There is also a burning smell.
Leaking oil: You might notice oil spots or drips on the ground beneath the car after an oil change, indicating an oil leak from the engine.
Visible oil residue: Visible signs of oil spillage or residue around the oil filter, drain plug, or engine components when inspecting the car.
Engine performance issues: In severe cases of oil spillage, the engine might experience performance issues such as decreased power, rough idling, or even engine misfires.

Solution:

Have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic to address the problem and prevent damage to the engine or other components.

To prevent oil spillage it’s important to ensure that the oil drain plug is properly tightened after draining the old oil and that the new oil filter is correctly installed.

Wiping any spilled oil from the engine or exhaust before starting the engine also helps to minimize the chances of smoke due to oil burning off.

2. Old residue is burning off

The remnants of oil or contaminants present in the engine before an oil change can heat up and burn off once fresh oil is introduced into the system.

When new oil is added, the change in viscosity, composition, or the introduction of cleaning agents in the new oil can cause the remnants of old oil or deposits to heat up and then burn off, leading to visible smoke.

Signs of old residue burning off include:

Smoke from the exhaust.
Burning smell.
No other changes to the car performance is experienced.

Solution:

Typically, this problem is temporary and decreases as the engine warms up and the residue burns away. If the smoke persists for an extended period, it might indicate another issue.

If smoking continues or if other concerning symptoms persist after your car’s oil change, have a mechanic inspect the car to rule out any potential underlying issues beyond the normal burning off of residue.

To minimize the chances of old residue burning off and causing smoke after an oil change, following proper maintenance procedures, including regular oil changes at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals is important.

Also the use of high-quality oil and ensuring a complete oil drain during changes helps to minimize the buildup of old residue within the engine.

3. You have an oil leak

Car smoking after an oil change can also be due to an oil leak.

An oil leak following an oil change can result from various factors such as an improperly installed oil filter, a loose drain plug, a damaged gasket, or even the accidental spillage of oil onto engine components.

This leakage can lead to visible smoke when the engine heats up and the leaked oil comes into contact with hot surfaces, causing it to burn.

Signs of an oil leak include:

Smoke coming from the engine bay or the exhaust system after starting the engine.
The presence of an acrid or burning smell around the engine area while the car is running.
Oil puddles or spots beneath the car, especially after an oil change.
A sudden drop in the engine oil level shortly after an oil change.
In some cases, an oil leak might affect the car’s performance, causing issues like decreased power, rough idling, or engine misfires.

Solution:

Seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic to inspect the car and fix leaking problems.

To prevent oil leaks after an oil change, the mechanic should ensure that the oil filter is properly installed and that the drain plug is tightened securely.

Also, inspect any visible signs of leakage after an oil change, such as oil spots or drips under the car.

4. Use of the wrong oil type or overfilling

Using the wrong type of oil or overfilling the engine with oil can lead to increased pressure within the engine, which can cause oil to burn and produce smoke.

Also using the wrong oil type that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications or is of an incorrect viscosity for your car can lead to issues.

Thicker or thinner oil than recommended can affect the engine’s lubrication properties and cause overheating or excessive friction, leading to smoke.

Signs of using the wrong oil type:

Smoke emitting from the exhaust or engine area.
Engine overheating.
Reduced fuel efficiency.
Unusual engine noises like knocking or ticking.

In addition to this, when the engine is overfilled with oil beyond the recommended levels, it can lead to increased pressure inside the engine crankcase.

This excess pressure forces oil into places it shouldn’t be, such as the combustion chamber. As a result, oil burns alongside fuel in the combustion process, causing smoke.

Solution:

To fix the problem, draining the excess oil and replacing it with the correct type and amount recommended by the manufacturer is necessary.

5. You have worn seals or gaskets

Worn seals or gaskets within the engine can lead to oil leaks, which in turn can lead to smoking after an oil change.

Seals and gaskets play an important role in preventing oil from leaking out of various engine components.

When these seals or gaskets become worn, brittle, or damaged over time, they can fail to contain the oil properly, resulting in leaks.

When oil leaks onto hot engine parts or the exhaust system, it can burn and produce smoke when the engine is running.

Solution:

Seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic to inspect the engine for signs of oil leaks. They will replace worn or damaged seals and gaskets to prevent further leaks.

6. Burning oil due to engine problems

Burning oil due to underlying engine issues can also result in visible smoke after an oil change.

When certain components within the engine wear out or malfunction, oil can enter areas where it shouldn’t be, such as the combustion chamber.

This oil then burns alongside fuel during the combustion process, leading to smoke emissions from the exhaust.

Solution:

Have a qualified mechanic conduct a thorough inspection and diagnosis.

Delaying repairs for engine-related problems can lead to further damage and potentially expensive repairs down the line.