What is Valve Adjustment and How Often Should It Be Done?

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Inside every engine, valves play a crucial role. They control the intake of air-fuel mixture and the release of exhaust gases. For the engine to perform efficiently, the timing and clearance of the valves must be precise. This process is known as valve adjustment (or valve clearance adjustment).

What is Valve Adjustment?

Valve adjustment refers to setting the correct clearance between the camshaft and the valve lifters. As the engine operates, heat causes metal parts to expand. If the clearance is too tight or too loose, problems can occur:

• If too tight → Valves may not close properly, causing compression loss.
• If too loose → Valves may not open fully, leading to poor acceleration.
• In both cases, it can cause ticking or tapping noises from the engine.

Signs That Your Car Needs a Valve Adjustment

1. Ticking or tapping sounds (“click-clack”) from the top of the engine.
2. Loss of power or poor acceleration.
3. Rough idle or frequent stalling.
4. Increased fuel consumption.
5. Abnormal exhaust smoke (black or white).

How Often Should You Adjust Valves?

In most vehicles, valve adjustment is recommended every 40,000 – 50,000 km. However, it varies depending on the engine type and manufacturer’s recommendations. Some modern cars use hydraulic lifters, which automatically adjust clearance and require little to no adjustment.

Things to Know About Valve Adjustment

• It requires special tools and should be done by a skilled mechanic.
• Neglecting valve adjustments may cause premature valve and seat wear.
• Proper valve adjustment improves fuel efficiency, reduces noise, and extends engine life.

Conclusion

Valve adjustment is essential to keep your engine running smoothly. While not required as frequently as oil changes, it should not be overlooked. Generally, it should be done every 40,000–50,000 km unless your car uses self-adjusting hydraulic lifters. Regular valve adjustment ensures quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and long-lasting engine performance.

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