These Engine Noises Are No Match for Total Auto Care

Total Auto Care is here to keep your car, truck, or utility vehicle in the best shape possible. We won’t rest until we know your vehicle is safe and you can rely on it at all times. If the engine starts to make a strange noise, bring your vehicle to our shop right away so we can find the source of the sound and repair the issue. Let’s talk about common engine noises below.

Grinding

Grinding or metallic noises coming from the engine can often be a sign that there is a problem with the oil circulation. Usually, the thing that affects how well the oil circulates through the engine is the oil filter. If it is clogged, it will slow down the oil circulation and reduce the oil pressure. As an aside, you should not drive your automobile if you do not have oil circulating through the engine.

Knocking

Knocking noises coming from the engine can either be a problem with the detonation inside the combustion chamber or an issue in the cylinder block. Detonation problems are generally caused by worn spark plugs, a lean fuel mixture, or low-octane fuel. The pistons can also make a knocking sound if they are banging against the cylinder walls in the cylinder block.

Rumbling

Rumbling noises coming from the engine generally point to a problem with the muffler or the catalytic converter. The engine is going to rumble loudly if the muffler has a hole in it. The engine will also rumble loudly if someone has taken the catalytic converter from underneath your automobile.

Sizzling

Sizzling noises coming from the engine point to a fluid leak. The reason why you hear sizzling or hissing in the engine is that the fluid will leak onto engine parts that are hot. The sound you will hear is much like that of placing bacon into a hot skillet; the effect is the same.

Squealing

Your engine may also squeal if it’s time to tighten the accessory belt. In addition, the belt may loosen because the tensioner needs to be replaced. As an aside, you may also hear your brakes squeal if they are overheating. The brakes can fail if they get too hot.

Tapping

Finally, your engine may make tapping noises if you’ve got a leaking exhaust manifold gasket or exhaust manifold in the engine. In some cases, it will make a hissing or popping noise instead of a tapping noise.Total Auto Care in North Branch, MN, is here to help, so give us a call today if you are hearing any of the noises listed above.