Engage the ignition and your car should immediately respond with a familiar noise, ranging from a muted hum to a raucous bellow, depending on what’s under the hood. Beyond the expected sounds, a few others may intrude, serving as a warning that a breakdown may be imminent. Here’s how to interpret that knocking noise and other mysterious sounds.
1. Engine Knocking or Pinging
The wrong kind of fuel, specifically gasoline with too low of an octane rating can cause an engine to knock or ping. Modern cars have knock sensors, which mitigate the problem, but this part may need to replacement if the sensor has failed.
If you suspect the problem is low octane, you can add octane booster to eliminate the problem. Other causes of engine knock could …show more content…
For everyone else, a roaring engine under acceleration is not the norm. Likely, an exhaust system problem is making itself known.
For instance, the exhaust system may have developed a hole due to rust. Replacing the worn part should resolve the problem. On the other hand, if the exhaust system is fine, the roaring may have something to do with the transmission. In cars equipped with an automatic, the transmission may not be shifting to the next gear. For vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch may be slipping. Problems with an automatic transmission can become quite expensive, especially if ignored.
5. Clunk, Bang or Pop
Much like your favorite breakfast cereal, your car may make an assortment of noises, including various clunks, bangs or pops. Unlike your cereal, isolating the noise can be a challenge!
One possible reason for clunking or banging may point to a problem with the suspension system, specifically worn shock absorbers, strut mounts or ball joints. In each case, vehicle control is at risk, so you will need to fix the problem at once. If you hear a popping sound while driving at low speeds and when making sharp turns, a worn rear differential may be the cause.
6. Under the Hood Hissing or
1. Engine Knocking or Pinging
The wrong kind of fuel, specifically gasoline with too low of an octane rating can cause an engine to knock or ping. Modern cars have knock sensors, which mitigate the problem, but this part may need to replacement if the sensor has failed.
If you suspect the problem is low octane, you can add octane booster to eliminate the problem. Other causes of engine knock could …show more content…
For everyone else, a roaring engine under acceleration is not the norm. Likely, an exhaust system problem is making itself known.
For instance, the exhaust system may have developed a hole due to rust. Replacing the worn part should resolve the problem. On the other hand, if the exhaust system is fine, the roaring may have something to do with the transmission. In cars equipped with an automatic, the transmission may not be shifting to the next gear. For vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch may be slipping. Problems with an automatic transmission can become quite expensive, especially if ignored.
5. Clunk, Bang or Pop
Much like your favorite breakfast cereal, your car may make an assortment of noises, including various clunks, bangs or pops. Unlike your cereal, isolating the noise can be a challenge!
One possible reason for clunking or banging may point to a problem with the suspension system, specifically worn shock absorbers, strut mounts or ball joints. In each case, vehicle control is at risk, so you will need to fix the problem at once. If you hear a popping sound while driving at low speeds and when making sharp turns, a worn rear differential may be the cause.
6. Under the Hood Hissing or