8 Noises Your Engine is Making and What They Are Telling You
When you turn your engine on, it makes a noise, a noise that is unique from other engines. There will be times where you find yourself catching odd noises that your car has never made before. This can happen to anyone and to any car and when it does, you should take those unfamiliar noises seriously. We get it, you hear a noise, but you may not be sure what is causing it or where exactly it comes from. That’s what we’re here for. We discuss some of the more common noises that faulty engines can make to help you understand the kind of care your vehicle might need.
Squealing
If you have heard a squealing, somewhat of a screeching noise that is coming from under the hood, this usually indicates a loose or worn-out serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is responsible for controlling certain functions such as the water pump, the alternator, and many others. Worn-out belts need immediate attention. There may be other instances where you hear squealing, such as when you turn the steering wheel. If this happens, it could mean that your steering system needs attention.
Tapping/Clicking
Tapping, clicking, or tucking noises usually mean that your car is low on oil. Oil is absolutely essential for an engine to run. Your car can completely shut down on you if you are not consistently keeping up with oil changes. A short-term solution is simply getting your oil changed, but taking your car to get an inspection done can provide you with a long-term solution if the problem is worse than expected.
Deep Knocking
Knocking that is coming from deep within your car is an indicator of detonation knock. Detonation knock is a term that refers to fuel and air mixture in one or more of the engine’s cylinders is detonating in more than one place at the same time. There could be several factors that are causing this detonation knock, such as faulty sensors or a lean air/fuel mixture. Whatever the case may be, your engine should be looked at immediately.
Rattling and Whining
A severely damaged or poorly aligned camshaft belt is often the culprit of rattling and whining engine noises. Also known as a timing belt, this piece is a part of internal combustion engines that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) to allow engine valves to open and close at proper times during a cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes. If this is happening during cold starts, the chain is almost always worn out.
Grinding
This is a noise for manual transmission drivers to look out for. Grinding can happen while you are shifting gears. This is caused by a faulty gearbox when the clutch is unable to completely separate the gearbox from the engine. This can also happen if you do not completely push the clutch down properly when changing gears. If you have been driving manual and it’s an older vehicle, it could simply be time for a replacement.
Loud Banging
There’s no other reason for hearing a loud bang in your car: this is known as backfire. Backfire happens when the fuel was not burned in the combustion chamber and escapes as is. Once the gas moves beyond the combustion chamber, it combusts in the exhaust instead, causing the explosion. This can happen anytime the fuel or air ratio is too rich or lean.
Hissing/Sizzling
If you notice a hissing, sizzling, or popping sound right after turning off your car, this can call for a leak. Either oil or coolant is leaking onto a hot engine component, which ultimately damages your engine. Pop the hood of your car and you might be able to find a leak on the exhaust manifold, but in other instances, it can be harder to locate. This problem should be addressed immediately, especially if the engine starts to overheat.
Popping
There can be a number of reasons why you are hearing popping sounds from your car’s engine. Popping noises are often accompanied by a struggling engine, failing to turn the car on. Common causes for engine popping can be a clogged fuel filter, ignition failure, faulty spark plugs, damaged plug wires, or a faulty catalytic converter. These issues can be resolved at low costs, depending on what is the root of the popping noise.
Give Your Vehicle the Attention it Needs at Sergio Lewis Body Shop
If you have a hunch that something may be wrong with your vehicle, trust your gut and schedule an appointment. When it comes to your car, you can never be too safe. Contact the professionals at Sergio Lewis Body Shop so we can provide the right services.
