If you’ve noticed that your car engine is getting louder by the day, you’re probably wondering what is causing the problem. Engine sounds are always a little scary, and if you’re not a mechanic these sounds are likely a bit overwhelming. There are different types of sounds that can come from your engine, and the type of sound you’re hearing can indicate different problems. Check out some of the most common loud engine causes and what you can do about them.
Bad Bearings
Does the sound you’re hearing from your engine remind you of a washing machine that’s a bit off-center, or a dryer with shoes inside? If you’re hearing a constant knocking under the hood, it’s likely that you’re dealing with bad engine bearings. The bearings are what the moving parts of the engine sit on. When you’ve driven the car too far or too long, these bearings can wear out and start causing the under-the-hood knocking. This is a big problem and should be examined right away, since it can cause your engine to completely seize up.
Damaged or Failing Muffler
Sometimes the loud engine sounds you hear aren’t due to the engine having a problem at all. Instead, it could be caused by a damaged or failing muffler. If it just seems like your car is running louder than it used to, but there aren’t other strange sounds, it might be due to a damaged muffler. This is especially true if you’ve noticed there are more fumes than normal or if your gas mileage has dropped. While this problem doesn’t require an immediate fix, you should definitely get it to a technician as soon as possible. This will improve your drive and your gas mileage.
Low Oil Level
If you’re hearing a grinding or loud rubbing sound, make sure to check your engine oil levels. While most newer cars include engine oil level monitors, older cars may not have this, or the sensor may not be working. It’s always a good idea to check the engine oil level if you’ve noticed grinding sounds. Remember, your engine needs this oil to stay lubricated and keep running properly. If the oil level is too low, you can cause significant damage to the engine. Add some oil, and if you’re concerned there may be a leak, get your car to your mechanic for a checkup.
Worn Torque Converter
In automatic transmission cars, you have a torque converter. If the transmission fluid gets too low, the torque converter can start to fail. This causes grinding noises when the car is in gear. It’s likely that damage or wear to the needle bearings are causing this sound. When you hear loud sounds when the car is in gear like this, get the car to your mechanic right away, or you could end up with more significant transmission problems.
Unusual sounds coming from your engine could signal something going wrong in the car. Make sure to take your car in for regular maintenance and repairs to keep it in great condition for as long as possible.