Can changing your oil have an affect on performance?

[imported_BeeVo]

I just changed my oil this weekend in my 1995 Honda Civic. Now that it is changed my car feels a little more sluggish than usual. When the oil was changed they put in 10w30 which they recommended for summer. I don't know too much about cars but can changing your oil affect your performance?

 

[MichaelD]

Heavier-weight oil can have an effect on performance, as the higher viscosity means the engine has to "push harder" thru it. Heavier weight real oil (not synethetic) is more resistant to thermal breakdown (thinning) than a lighter weight oil, all other things being equal.

However, if you are noticing a real tangible difference, then something else is wrong. I'll bet they overfilled your motor. Park the car on a level surface. Shut engine off and let it sit for 30 minutes. Check the oil level. Betcha it's over filled.

 

[imported_BeeVo]

Alright I will check if they overfilled it. Do I just take it back to them and tell them they overfilled it if they did?

 

[LAUST]

I thought you were askin something different.. oops..

Yes make sure it's not overfilled, that can lead to a damaged block actually also.

 

[StageLeft]

I don't know much but I'd say unless you were using superglue as your previous oil you won't notice a difference.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: BeeVo
Alright I will check if they overfilled it. Do I just take it back to them and tell them they overfilled it if they did?

Yes. If you try to let "some out" yourself, you may let too much out. Let them muck with it...they did it in the first place. Now, by overfilled, I mean OVERFILLED.

After the car has been sitting on a flat surface for 30 minutes:

1. Open hood
2. Pull oil dipstick out. Wipe clean w/rag. Note the "upper" and "lower" marks on the stick
3. Put stick back in hole, ensuring to push all the way down. Pull stick out
4. Oil level should be b/t lower and upper marks. If it's at the upper mark that is ok. It should not be more than 1/4 of an inch (or so) above the upper mark. That is bad.