Lifter tick is a rhythmic tapping or ticking noise that usually comes from the top of your engine. It’s caused by the lifters — small cylinder-shaped components that ride on the camshaft and control the opening and closing of valves in many engines on the road today. When lifters don’t get proper lubrication or when there’s a buildup of sludge and debris, they can’t operate smoothly. This issue causes the familiar ticking sound.

There are several reasons lifter tick can occur, including low or dirty oil, wear and tear on the lifters themselves or even issues with hydraulic pressure in the lifter mechanism. If you don’t address the problem, it can lead to serious issues, like wear on the valve or camshaft.

If you’ve noticed lifter tick, there are several steps you can take to help reduce the noise. Start by checking your engine oil. Since lifters rely on oil pressure for smooth operation, running low on oil or using oil that’s degraded over time can cause ticking. Make sure to top off your oil or consider changing it if it’s old or contaminated. Using high-quality oil can improve lubrication and help reduce lifter noise.

Adding a fuel or oil treatment can also make a significant difference. A product like Sea Foam High Mileage can be added to your oil to help clean out deposits that may be clogging or restricting lifters. Sea Foam is helpful because it works to dissolve any sludge, which can be a major culprit behind lifter malfunction. Sea Foam will work as you drive, cleaning engine’s internal components, freeing up the sticky lifters and restoring smooth operation.

Regular maintenance is key in preventing lifter noise. Make sure to change your oil at the recommended intervals. Adding Sea Foam High Mileage to your crankcase a couple hundred miles before an oil change will help keep your engine clean and your lifters working as they should.

If you’re hearing lifter noise, don’t ignore it. Addressing the problem early helps keep your vehicle running smoothly, and could save you from a costly repair bill. Once fixed, regular maintenance will ensure your engine stays quiet and performs at its best.