Engine knocking sound while you start your car is a matter of concern. Yes, it is an unpleasant sound that can ruin your day momentarily. However, what’s more important is determining the reason behind this sound and addressing the issue.
So, if you have been hearing a knocking sound in engine, then you are at the right place. In this blog, we will learn what an engine knocking sound is and what the causes behind it could be. Make sure you read it till the end to find the right fix for getting rid of this annoying and concerning sound for good.
What Is An Engine Knocking, And What Does It Sound Like?
This should not come as a surprise, but there could be many different reasons why you have been hearing an engine knock. In certain cases, it might be an issue with the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In other cases, this could be a result of metal components hitting each other, but they should not be doing that.
Another interesting thing about this knocking sound is that they are not as apparent as you would expect them to be. You might expect the sound to be a loud one, but in reality, it might be much more subtle than you would expect. The loudness of this sound generally depends on the severity of the cause behind it, but more on that in the following section.
Common Causes Behind An Engine Knocking Sound
With a better idea of what an engine knocking sound is and what it might sound like, it is time to determine and understand the common causes behind it. Of course, combustion within the engine is a major culprit, but there are multiple factors that can contribute to this malfunction. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons causing an engine knocking sound in your car:
1. Carbon Buildup
It should come as no surprise that carbon will come into the picture whenever there is any ignition in any form. The same goes for your combustion engine, where ignition plays an important role in powering it. With enough time, carbon deposits will automatically accumulate in different parts of your engine, requiring a proper car engine repair service.
These deposits could also be a result of improper fuel burn, leaving residue in the form of carbon in the engine. Given enough time this will not just hinder the engine’s performance but also be one of the causes of a car not starting. This makes it very important that you clean and decarbonise the engine every once in a while to get rid of this carbon buildup for good.
2. Low-Quality Fuel
Another common reason that could cause engine knocking in a motor is using the wrong type or low-quality fuel. There are different qualities and grades of fuel available at your fuel pump, and you must always choose the one recommended by the manufacturer. You must check for the fuel’s octane measurement to determine how resistant it is to abnormal combustion.
When you use fuel with lower octane levels than recommended, this could result in pre-ignition and eventually a car engine knock.
Remember that different vehicles have different octane levels, and you must refer to the manual to learn the best quality.
3. Improper Air and Fuel Mixture
Another very common culprit behind an engine knocking diesel or petrol is improper air and fuel mixture. Every combustion chamber in your car’s engine needs just the right amount of air and fuel to function efficiently.
If anything messes with that mixture in the combustion chamber, it could leave you with an annoying engine knock. This could result from a vacuum leak, a malfunctioning sensor, or issues with the injection. No matter the reason, you must be able to diagnose the issue and get a proper engine knock fix for good.
4. Dirty or Worn Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your car’s engine are very important in influencing how it performs and functions. Naturally, when there is anything wrong with these plugs, it will hamper the engine’s performance and overall efficiency. In certain adverse cases, it can even result in the car not starting on top of the knock.
This makes it very important to take your car to an auto care shop Perth regularly and check the spark plugs. Feel free to clean them properly or replace them entirely if the plugs have served their time. This will go a long way in ensuring that the spark plugs do their jobs and your engine performs properly.
5. Low Engine Oil
Another reason that could result in an engine knock symptom in your car is lower oil than the recommended level. There might often be cases when your car’s engine uses more oil than usual, which will automatically lower the level.
You can address the issues contributing to low oil in engines such as engine oil leak from car and top the oil off regularly to maintain the proper level. Other than that, you could also consider high-quality engine oil that can reduce the overall wear and tear on the engine. Also, make it a point to change the engine oil regularly to get the best of the engine’s performance.
Tips to Prevent Engine Knocking in Your Car
While there are measures you could take to stop engine knocks, it is rather better to take the right measures to prevent these issues right from the start. So, here are some of the most effective tips to help prevent engine knocking in your car.
1. Use The Right Quality of Fuel:
One of the best things you can do to avoid engine knocking in your car is to use the right quality and grade of fuel. Ensure your fuel has the right octane levels, as the manufacturer recommends, to avoid these issues.
2. Ensure Regular Maintenance:
Another important thing that you must do is take your vehicle for car repair services in Perth on a regular basis. This will help you determine any potential issues at the earliest and take proper measures to address them.
3. Check Sensors:
Most modern cars now come with sensors fitted across varied locations within the car. You must check these sensors and determine if you need a knock sensor replacement to address and prevent this issue.
4. Listen for Unusual Sounds:
Modern cars are complex, and this complexity will only get more intricate with time. That said, it has become very important that you always take proper action when hearing any unusual sound. In case you hear anything unusual, make sure to take the car to a reliable shop for auto repair Perth and fix the issue.
5. Avoid Aggressive Driving:
How you drive your car has a lot to do with how well or badly the car’s engine performs. In most cases, aggressive driving could be one of the major engine knock causes that need your attention. So make sure you practice proper driving to get the best out of your car.
Final Thoughts
Engine knocking can be a huge matter of concern if you don’t take the right measures quickly. This makes it very important that you make the right effort to understand the causes and ensure proper engine knock repair at the right time.
One simple way to do this is to take care of your car with regular maintenance from a reliable auto shop Perth. Besides that, you must also understand the common causes that could be contributing to faulty knock sensors and address these issues properly.