We recommend that you drive straight to our shop if your car’s engine is making strange noises. The same is true if you drive a truck or SUV. Getting to the bottom of the engine noise could actually save the engine. There are some noises that occur when the engine is being damaged.
Grinding
One such noise is a grinding sound coming from the engine. This usually means that engine parts are grinding against each other because they are not being lubricated by the motor oil. Unfortunately, this can damage the parts severely, and, as such, it can damage your engine severely, as well.
Humming
It’s also bad news if you hear the transmission humming. This is a sign that the transmission needs to be repaired. In fact, you may be having other transmission problems such as an inability to get the transmission to go into gear or a problem with the transmission shifting gears.
Knocking
A knocking engine can sometimes be caused by a problem with the fuel detonation in the cylinders. This boils down to the fuel, fuel mixture, or spark plugs. The engine will also knock if there is an issue with the rod bearings and the rods, as these parts can crash the pistons against the cylinders.
Popping
Let’s talk about the exhaust system now. It can pop if you’ve got a hole in the muffler or a leaking exhaust manifold. In addition, the catalytic converter has been known to pop if it is clogged. Aside from popping, the sound may also sound like tapping or knocking.
Rumbling
The muffler and catalytic converter can also cause loud rumbling in the engine. If the muffler is damaged, it may be unable to muffle the noise that the engine makes. If the catalytic converter is the problem, we hate to say it, but someone stole your converter.
Sizzling
You may also hear sizzling or hissing coming from the engine if there’s a fluid leak. If you think about it, this makes sense. The auto fluid may be cold and it may drip onto a hot engine part. This is why it makes the strange sizzling or hissing noises.
Squealing
Finally, a squealing engine is an engine that has a loose belt. In most cases, that built is the accessory or serpentine belt. If your vehicle is equipped with a timing belt, make sure to have it changed when the manufacturer recommends it. A broken timing belt can damage the engine.
As we mentioned above, drive straight to our shop if your vehicle is making a strange noise. We will find the problem and fix it.