United Auto Care can find out why your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine is making strange noises. We are going to list the common engine noises below and what they mean. To protect your engine and prevent further damage, head to our shop right away if the engine is making a noise that it normally would not make. You can play it extra safe by having your vehicle towed to our shop.
Grinding
In fact, it’s a good idea to use a tow truck if the engine is grinding. The reason why is that the engine could be grinding because it doesn’t have any oil circulating through it. This can happen if the oil filter is dirty and gets clogged. The engine may also grind if the alternator or water pump is going bad.
Hissing
The engine can make a hissing or sizzling sound if there is a fluid leak. You will hear the sound if the fluid is leaking onto engine parts that are hot. It’s usually not a good idea to drive your automobile if it has leaking fluid. The engine can also hiss if one of the vacuum hoses has a hole in it.
Knocking
The engine is going to knock if there is a problem with the detonation in the cylinders. Specifically, things such as a lean fuel mixture or low-octane fuel can cause multiple detonations in the cylinders that sound like knocking. The pistons can also knock against the inside of the cylinders.
Popping
Sometimes, an older catalytic converter will get clogged and start to pop. If this is the case, you will hear the popping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Another thing that can pop is a leaking exhaust manifold. In addition to a popping noise, the manifold can also make a tapping noise.
Rumbling
A leak in the exhaust system will make your engine rumble loudly. Specifically, the most common thing that causes this noise is a hole in the exhaust system’s muffler. If your vehicle was parked in a public place and someone stole the catalytic converter, the engine will also rumble loudly.
Squealing
Finally, squealing noises can come from the engine if the power steering pump needs to be replaced. Generally, you will hear these noises when you turn the steering wheel. The accessory belt can also start to squeal if it needs to be tightened or it needs a new tensioner.
Call United Auto Care in Flowery Branch, GA, today to set up a service appointment for your vehicle if the engine is making unusual noises.
