If your car starts making weird engine noises and they are sounds which you are not accustomed to, it can be confusing. All cars will emit some sort of noise, which is the general nature of a vehicle. It develops what some people refer to as a “personality,” and these noises become part of the performance of the car.
These noises do not necessarily mean anything is wrong with the vehicle, but we all get to know our cars, until one day it makes a noise that stands out from the usual tones. That’s when we tend to tune in and get worried.
Here’s a list of what some of these noises might indicate.
An audible tapping or engine clicking noise coming from the front of your car will definitely draw your attention. Your ears will perk up and you will tune in to the noise, open a window and try to figure out what is going on. The tapping or clicking will increase as you accelerate and become faster. This could be what is known as a ‘tappet,’ or the upper valve train. The causes could be a number of issues starting with a worn part. It could also indicate that the oil pressure is low. Check your oil pressure gauge when you hear this sound and follow guidelines to determine the exact problem. Take the dip stick out and make sure you have enough oil in there.
These are usually a sign of deep trouble and yes, you should be worried. ‘Rod knocking’ sounds could mean that one part deep inside the engine has worn out. If your rod bearings have worn completely out or become too loose, it is only a matter time before the bearings fail. In this case, you should not use the car until the knocking engine noise has been fully and properly tested, diagnosed and repaired.
If you hear a whining or rattling engine noise from your car when you accelerate it could possibly be that your cam shaft belt is badly aligned or slipping. Have your cam shaft belt checked or look it over yourself if you have the right knowledge. It should really be fixed by a good mechanic, otherwise you could have more trouble further down the road.
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