Will Synthetic Oil Quiet Noisy Lifters: Unveiling the Truth

Ticking noise coming out from the engine lifters of your vehicle is not only irritating but also can be a sign of a bad engine. So, It makes sense to take steps to avoid the issue. 

But will synthetic oil quiet the noisy filters? Yes, in most cases, you can get rid of the noisy lifters using synthetic engine oil. Want to know how? We’ll address all you should know about synthetic oil to calm the lifters. 

What Causes Lifter Tick Noise?

It feels awful to experience annoying ticking noise from the engine lifters. But have you ever wondered why the lifters are noisy? Multiple factors, separately or at the same time, can cause the issue. 

Worn-Out Lifters

Your vehicle’s lifters are not in danger of becoming worn out. As the day advances, the lifters can be worn out, causing miscommunication with the camshaft and the push rods. 

And if this happens, the issue of ticking lifters when you turn on your vehicle can occur. Lack of maintenance can be a crucial reason your car’s hydraulic lifters become worn out.

Dirty Engine Oil

If you don’t keep a close eye on your vehicle’s engine oil, it can become contaminated, and you may hear the ticking noise of the lifters. 

The engine oil of your car can become contaminated due to several reasons. 

In most cases, if too much dirt and dust are mixed with the engine oil, the issue occurs. At the same time, if you don’t change the engine oil for regular intervals or put in the wrong engine oil, you will also hear a ticking noise coming out from the internal combustion engine. 

Once the engine fluid becomes contaminated, the valve lifters won’t lubricate properly. And as you know, lack of lubrication creates friction and, ultimately, noise. Sounds good? 

Low Engine Oil Level

You need to ensure there is always an adequate amount of oil to lubricate the engine’s part. But if the engine oil level is low, along with some other issues, you’ll notice a ticking noise from the engine lifters of your vehicle. 

And you can never expect to run your vehicle’s engine properly without enough engine fluid. Thus, check the engine oil levels regularly and ensure enough oil is in the tank. 

Most of the time, the issue of low engine oil can occur due to uneven leakage of the engine oil. If this happens, you will likely see drain oil underneath your vehicle. 

Unadjusted Lifters

The lifters in your car should be appropriately adjusted. If otherwise happens, accurate engine valve opening won’t be possible. And at the same time, the ticking noise from the valve lifters will occur. 

If the push rod becomes curved, it can also make the lifters unadjustable. Excessive wear and tear is the most prominent reason for bending pushrods in your vehicle. 

And the unadjusted lifers, creating a ticking sound, can dramatically reduce engine performance. 

Read Also: Switched To Synthetic Oil Now Leaking (Solution)

How Can Synthetic Oil Quite the Noisy Lifters?

Using synthetic oil is not the only solution to the ticking noise of the lifters; it helps the engine in other ways. Here is how it works in quitting the noise.

Ensures Improved Lubrication

If the issue of lifters’ noise occurs due to lack of lubrication, using the synthetic will help a lot here. 

As you know, high-quality synthetic oil can ensure proper lubrication because of the improved viscosity index; it lets valve lifters remain lubricated for a long time. 

So if you are using conventional oil, it’s time to move to synthetic engine oil, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. 

Even if you are using synthetic oil, it is more like the period of oil change has come, and you must put in the synthetic oil again. 

Longer Drain Intervals

If you use engine oil in which the viscosity breakdown period is too short, then you need to change the oil regularly. 

And, from the car’s owner’s perspective, sometimes it might happen that the oil, even if it becomes contaminated, remains unchanged for a long time which causes wear and tear on the valve or hydraulic lifters. 

But when you use pure synthetic oil with longer drain intervals, you don’t need to change the oil too frequently. 

And in this way, you will find continuous performance from the synthetic oil when it comes to protecting your engine for a long time. 

Thanks to the high-quality additives used to make the synthetic oil that plays a decent role in caring for your car engine, making the lifters quiet. 

Read Also: 0w40 vs 5w40: Which Synthetic Oil is Better for Your Car?

What Should You Consider While Choosing the Best Synthetic Oil for an Engine?

You’ll find different types of synthetic engine oil available online and offline. However, you should choose a suitable synthetic oil based on the type of vehicle and the engine you have. 

In most cases, synthetic oil varies based on the viscosity grade, meaning how thick or thin the oil is. 

Know Your Driving Conditions

Driving conditions here can play another decent role in determining whether you should use low-viscosity synthetic oil or high-viscosity synthetic oil. 

If you live in an area that is too cold, you can use low-viscosity synthetic engine oil. 

On the other hand, if the area where you almost remain hot, it will be better to go with the high-viscosity grade synthetic engine oil, which is known to be thicker. Get it? 

Go With the Brands

At the same time, we want you to go with the synthetic oil of the renowned brand. This is because brands like Castrol, Mobile 1, Amsoil, and Lucas are well-known for high-quality synthetic oil with proper additives. 

Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for your car. They know better what sort of synthetic oil is required to remove the issue of noisy lifters in your car and ensure the engine’s overall performance. 

Read Also: Common Amsoil Problems: Know The Dark Side Of Amsoil

Advantages of Synthetic Oil Compared to Conventional Oil

Modern-day vehicle owners would love to use synthetic engine oil rather than conventional. Why? Synthetic oil boosts engine performance as it comes with a blend of more essential base oils than conventional oil. 

The most common difference between synthetic and conventional oil is that synthetic oil is engineered in the lab. 

On the other hand, we get conventional oil from refined crude.  Some of the advantages of synthetic oil compared to conventional oil are; 

• Synthetic oil is high performing and suitable for all types of cars.
• Comes with high-quality additives-for example, detergents and dispersants. 
• Protects the vehicle engine superficially. 
• Has longer drain intervals. 
• Can resist engine heat for a long time. 
• Performs well in extreme temperatures.
• More reliable viscosity index. 

Disadvantages of Synthetic Oil Compared to Conventional Oil

Some of the disadvantages of synthetic oil compared to conventional oil are;

• Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil.
• Sometimes the oil can cause leaks in the older engine. 

Then again, at the end of the day, you should follow your manufacturer’s recommendation regarding whether you need synthetic or conventional oil. However, according to Capital One, you can choose a synthetic and conventional oil blend. 

Read Also: Mobil 1 Vs Mobil Super: Which Engine Oil Is Right for You?

When to Change the Engine Lifter on Your Vehicle?

You should never attempt to drive your car with bad engine lifters. So, as an intelligent owner of your vehicle, you need to check the lofters regularly.

At least pay attention to the symptoms related to the issue, and never make delays while changing the lifters. 

After a Particular Period

If everything remains fine, your vehicle’s lifters are supposed to last around 30,000-1,00,000 miles. 

However, if something goes very wrong with the lifters, you must change it as soon as possible. In most cases, noise lifters indicate that the lifters are malfunctioning. 

When Engine Performance Reduces

Along with the ticking noise from the lifters, if you see a drop in engine performance, it possibly means the lifters have gone bad. The more you increase the RPM, the louder the noise will be.

Besides, you need to check whether the check engine light in your car turns on with the symptoms mentioned. Yes? 

Then it’s time to change the lifters. Remember to check the fuel economy as well since bad lifters can cause a reduction in fuel economy. 

But experts recommend checking the lifters with a qualified mechanic and then replacing them with the help of a professional. 

Replacing the lifters in your vehicle might cost you a ballpark figure of $600-$1000. And according to Mechanic Times, you shouldn’t drive your car more than 100 miles with bad lifters. 

Here you can check this video to learn how to replace the bad lifters in your car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many vehicle owners deal with noise issues of valve lifters and ask several questions online. Here, we will answer some of the very common questions.

Final Words

You should use high-quality synthetic oil to avoid the noise from the valve lifters. Besides, make sure you are careful about the lifters’ maintenance. Change the lifters with the help of a qualified mechanic ASAP if needed.

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