Clark’s Car Care recommends that you have your vehicle towed to our shop if the engine is grinding. The reason why is that the most common reason why an engine will grind is that there is no oil circulating through it. This can be caused by a clogged oil filter or a severe oil leak. If you drive the engine without oil, you can kill it in less than 30 minutes. Grinding is just one sign of an engine problem. Here are other noises that you never want to hear coming from your automobile.
Hissing
The engine may sound like an angry cat or snake if it has a leak in one of the vacuum hoses. Leaking vacuum hoses tend to make hissing sounds or suction sounds. You may also hear this sound if you have a fluid leak in the engine that is dripping onto engine parts that are hot. As the fluid burns away, it hisses and sizzles as if it were bacon in a frying pan.
Knocking
An engine that knocks all the time most likely has a detonation problem in one or more of the cylinders. This can be caused by the incorrect gasoline for your engine type, a lean fuel mixture, or a faulty knock sensor. The problem may also be in the cylinder block. If the rod bearings are too loose, they will cause the rods to crash the pistons against the cylinder walls.
Popping
A popping sound coming from your automobile is most likely originating in the exhaust system. If the exhaust manifold or exhaust piping has a leak, it will pop or tap. If the muffler has a hole in it, it may also pop. If the catalytic converter is clogged, it may pop. As you can see, popping noises are common in an exhaust system that is long overdue for maintenance.
Rumbling
Speaking of the muffler and catalytic converter, your engine is going to rumble if either of these parts is having problems or if the catalytic converter has been stolen. In fact, the engine will rumble so loudly that you may be pulled over and receive a moving violation.
Squealing
Finally, your vehicle’s engine might squeal if there is an issue with the power steering pump. Usually, the squealing occurs when you turn the steering wheel. The engine can also squeal if there is a belt that needs to be tightened. In most cases, this belt is the accessory belt.
Clark’s Car Care in Naperville, IL, can get to the bottom of your car’s engine noise, so call us today to schedule an appointment.