Strange engine noises are never a good thing. In some cases, the noises could be a sign that your engine is getting damaged. If the noise is really bad, it’s probably better to have your vehicle towed to our shop just in case the noise is being caused by engine damage. Let’s talk more about this below.
Growling
For example, if your engine is growling or grinding, this could mean that the metal parts are scraping against each other without any motor oil. It is easy for the oil pressure in the engine to be reduced by a clogged oil filter. If you continue to drive your vehicle, you will damage the engine irreparably.
Hissing
A hissing noise is not as bad. This is usually a sign that you have a fluid leak or a vacuum leak. In the case of the fluid leak, it will hiss, sizzle, or squeal when it drips onto hot engine parts. In the case of the vacuum leak, the vacuum hose will hiss or make a suction sound.
Humming
We hate to say it, but if your transmission is humming when it is in neutral, it needs to be repaired. Other strange noises that the transmission will make include clunking, grinding, and squealing. It is important to have the humming sound looked into as soon as possible.
Knocking
It is also wise to have your vehicle towed to our shop if the engine is knocking because the pistons are crashing against the cylinders. This can damage the cylinder block. The engine can also knock if the fuel is not detonating properly in the cylinders. This problem is less severe.
Rumbling
It may be cool that your car is rumbling like a racecar, but this is also a sign of problems in the exhaust system. For example, if the catalytic converter has been ripped off, the engine will rumble loudly. The engine will also rumble loudly if the muffler is leaking.
Squealing
We mentioned above that the transmission can squeal if it is having problems. The serpentine belt can also squeal if it needs to be replaced. Another engine part that will squeal if it needs to be replaced is the power steering pump.
Tapping
Finally, switching back to the exhaust system, you may hear it tap or pop if the exhaust manifold is leaking. The exhaust manifold has a gasket that can also start leaking. When it does, it will make the same noises or squeal.
Head straight to our shop if you hear strange noises coming from your automobile. Again, these noises could be signs of damage.