5 Worrying Engine Noises and What They Mean

The engine is the heart of your car, so it’s essential to fix it when something seems off. What signals should you watch for? Weird noises should be the start of your diagnosis.

If you can identify sounds, diagnosing the issue becomes more manageable. Here are five engine noises to listen for and what they mean.

1. Sputtering

When you hear sputtering, it’s time to pull over and check the engine. This sound could involve various problems, though the most likely option is an engine misfire. Your check engine light should appear because it’s a serious issue.

If your engine misfires, something has gone wrong in the combustion chamber. It could have lousy ignition timing or simply lack enough gas in the tank. Additionally, you should check for worn spark plugs because they can cause your car to sputter or shake while idle.

2. Knocking

If you hear knocking, someone wants you to roll down your window or it’s time to inspect your engine. Older cars are more prone to this sound because of their composition, considering they might not have knock sensors or variable valve timing.

Engine knocking likely originates from the air and fuel combination in the combustion chamber. Alternatively, you could have accidentally put the wrong gas in your car. Experts say to rely on manufacturer guidelines to see which fuel your vehicle needs.

3. Grinding

Grinding is a noise you don’t want to hear unless you’re crushing coffee beans. If you hear this sound, it most likely results from shifting gears. Your issue could also derive from piston and cylinder damage under the hood.

When you hear grinding, don’t mess around — it needs immediate attention. The easy solution is to check your transmission fluid to see if it requires refilling.

4. Tapping

Tapping may sound similar to knocking, but it’s a different problem. When it comes from the engine, this noise most likely involves the valve train. A malfunctioning valve train could include a broken valve spring or camshaft, so it’s well worth an inspection.

The noise could also indicate a lack of oil pressure. With this problem, you could see increased engine temperatures because the motor works harder and exerts more heat.

5. Hissing

If you hear hissing, check under the hood for snakes. The absence of reptiles likely means your car is overheating and leaking something. For instance, your vacuum line is leaking air, or your radiator is leaking coolant. Regardless, the motor needs immediate attention.

Start by checking your coolant levels to see if they’re below par. If it’s lower than usual, you likely have a leak. You’ll know if a coolant leak is present when steam escapes the hood.

Diagnosing Your Engine Problems

If your engine stops working, so does your car. Therefore, you should promptly address motor issues as they arise. The sound can tell you a lot about engine problems, so ask a professional to diagnose them.