You are driving along, and all of a sudden, your engine starts to grind. Or, maybe it squeals. Either way, these noises are bad news for your car’s engine because they mean something is out of the ordinary. In some cases, strange noises are an indication that the engine is getting damaged. In other cases, the noises are a symptom of a minor problem. Here are six noises you don’t want to hear in the engine.
1. Grinding
Grinding is a damaging noise. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, you damage them. If your engine is grinding, the parts are wearing against each other and getting damaged. Your engine will grind if the oil filter is clogged. The clogged filter will not allow motor oil to circulate through the engine.
2. Hissing
Hissing isn’t as bad. Usually, a leaking vacuum hose will hiss inside the engine. Another thing that will sound as if it is hissing is burning auto fluid. If you have an auto fluid leak in the engine, the fluid will drip onto engine parts that are as hot as a breakfast skillet ready for bacon.
3. Knocking
Knocking can be a sign of damage or a sign of a detonation problem. In terms of engine damage, the engine will knock if the pistons make contact with the interior cylinder walls. This can happen when the rod bearings are worn. A detonation problem means you have multiple firings in the cylinders.
4. Popping
To be honest, if you hear popping coming from the engine, it is most likely coming from the exhaust system rather than the engine. The catalytic converter will pop when it is clogged. The muffler will pop if it is damaged. The exhaust manifold will pop if it is leaking.
5. Rumbling
Let’s talk more about the catalytic converter and the muffler. Both of these exhaust system parts will rumble loudly if there is a problem. If the catalytic converter has been stolen, you will hear loud rumbling. If the muffler has a crack or hole, again, you will hear loud rumbling.
6. Squealing
Finally, squealing noises coming from the engine could be a large vacuum leak, a problem with the power steering pump, or a problem with the accessory belt. As an aside, your brakes will also squeal if they are overheating or if the brake pads need to be changed.
Bring your vehicle to our shop if the engine is making an unusual noise. The sooner you have the problem resolved the less damage to the engine.
