Car maintenance can be tricky, especially for anyone new to car ownership. Engines, brakes, suspensions, transmissions, and various other car parts make noise. If your car is making a noise it has not made before, is the noise a sign of danger or just one of those inevitable quirks that cars acquire as they age? Before you type “car maintenance near me” into your search engine and go off in search of a mechanic, consider these common sources of engine noises and what they mean for your car’s health.
Engine Knocking
You may be familiar with the sound of a car knocking or pinging and that some types of gasoline and additives reduce engine knocking. What you might not know is that engine knocking often indicates a serious problem with your engine. In a typical (non-electric) car engine, the combustion of gasoline occurs within the chambers of the engine. The spark plug ignites the gas, and the force of the ignition drives the piston.
When the engine is working normally, the movement of the pistons and the firing of the spark plugs occur at just the right time so that the engine moves smoothly. When the timing is off, the mix of air and gasoline in the chamber isn’t right, causing knocks. The sounds could also indicate a problem with the spark plugs.
The engine misfire that causes the knock can damage the cylinders in your engine, so it is crucial to reduce engine knocking. Getting a tune-up or using high-octane gasoline can reduce engine knocking.
Engine Pinging | Engine Shaking | Engine Sputtering
Engine Pinging
Like engine knocking, engine pinging can result from a problem with the spark plugs and the mixture of air and fuel during ignition. You can reduce engine pinging by having the spark plugs fixed to ensure that your engine isn’t overheating and using higher octane gasoline.
Engine Shaking
The combustion of gasoline in your car’s engine generates a lot of force. In a properly functioning engine, that force is directed at the pistons to move the car. If the vehicle is misfiring, again due to faulty spark plugs, the force hits the engine itself, causing engine shaking.
Engine Sputtering
If the engine is not getting enough gasoline, gasoline will not be able to ignite in the cylinder, causing sputtering. Engine sputtering occurs when the fuel injection system becomes clogged, preventing gasoline from getting to the cylinder. Check the filter, fuel pump, and fuel injectors.
Engine Rattling | Engine Squealing | Engine Squeaking
Engine Rattling
Wear and tear on engine parts such as the timing belt, flywheel, and catalytic converter is a common cause of engine rattling. A misfiring engine also causes rattling, along with knocks, pings, and other forms of engine noise.
Engine Squealing
Belts, such as the timing belt and the aptly-named serpentine belt, snake their way through the engine to keep it running smoothly. If a belt is damaged or rubbing against dirt and grime, engine squealing can result.
Engine Squeaking
Engine squeaking, like engine squealing, occurs when a belt, typically the serpentine belt, is not moving smoothly due to the belt wearing out or the track not being clear of dirt and grime.
Engine Popping | Engine Whistling | Engine Clicking
Engine Popping
Engine popping is yet another sound that occurs when there is a problem with the mixture of fuel and air in the engine’s cylinders.
Engine Whistling
Engine whistling occurs when leaks or defects in hoses and seals allow air to escape from the engine system.
Engine Clicking
Engine clicking is often a result of contaminated oil or a bad oil pump or filter.
Sierra Blanca Motors | Your Car Maintenance Dealership | Ruidoso, NM
Sierra Blanca Motors provides top-quality car repair in the Ruidoso, NM, area. If you are not sure about the source of the engine noises in your car, our skilled mechanics would be glad to help you diagnose and fix the problem quickly.
We work hard to provide our customers with peace of mind, whether they are on the road or in our shop. Don’t wait for minor engine quirks to become a significant car engine repair. If your vehicle is experiencing any of the engine noises mentioned above, contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
Keep your car running smoothly with Sierra Blanca Motors. Bring your vehicle in for a check-up or contact us at 575-315-0145 today.
