Common Causes of Rattling Engine Noises

If you’re like most Americans, you likely rely on your car for most errands and daily tasks. You need to be able to count on it performing at all times—otherwise your day or even your whole week can really be hampered. Staying on top of regular maintenance is a great way to make sure you’re able to minimize and mitigate problems before they get out of hand.

One thing to watch for is a rattling sound coming from the engine. This can indicate a number of different problems, and the causes of a rattling engine in Salt Lake City, UT range from the minor to the more serious. It’s important to have an understanding of what the culprit might be so you can have your mechanic make the necessary repairs.

Engine rattling when you accelerate?

Some drives notice their engine starts making a rattling sound when they hit the gas while out on the road. This can also come across as a clicking or knocking sound, and could mean a couple of things. The first possibility is that the belt tensioner is loose and could need replacement. This is the small piece in your engine that secures the timing belt in place—when this belt has more “give” and/or movement than it should, the engine will make a rattling noise at acceleration.

The other main potential explanation is that your car has a cracked flywheel. This is one of the sneakier reasons your engine may be rattling in Salt Lake City, UT, so if you suspect this is the problem, it’s time to take it to the pros for evaluation.

Engine rattling when you idle?

If you pull up to a red light and hear rattling, the most common explanation is that it actually isn’t your engine at all—in this case, it’s more likely to be your catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is that long, skinny piece that hangs underneath your car and helps with emissions control by passing engine gases through a core that’s under extreme heat. When that internal core starts to break down from this heat and usage, it will begin to break apart. These pieces then rattle around the inside of the converter, which can be mistaken for a rattling engine in Salt Lake City, UT.

Engine rattling when the car is cold?

If you hear a rattling noise right when you start up your car, there are a few potential causes for your rattling engine in Salt Lake City, UT. It could be “piston slap,” which is when your pistons have loosened a bit and are hitting the sides of the cylinder, or it could be engine rod knock, which is one of the more serious situations indicated by irregular engine noises.

Working with engines on vehicles of all types is what we’ve done for almost 20 years at AMR Auto Repair & Towing. We can diagnose, explain and fix any cause of engine noise that you’re experiencing, and will do so for a fair price. Call us today to see how we can be of service to you and your vehicle!

Categorised in: Auto Repair Shop

This post was written by Writer