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April 06, 2022

Why Is Your Engine Suddenly So loud? Find Out!

Engine Repair

If you have observed that your car engine is making a louder noise than usual, it certainly means there is a problem. Since both repair and car engine replacement is a costly affair, it is imperative to determine the right cause, and timely fix it before the situation worsens to avoid significant and expensive damage in the future.

If your engine wasn’t loud before and you are wondering “Why Is Your Engine suddenly so loud,” what are the causes of this problem, how to get it repaired, as well as what the legal consequences of a loud car engine are, then we provide you with all the details below.

Why does your car make a lot of noise? The Key Reasons & Indications

Engine sounds can be scary. Different types of sounds come from the car engine, indicates various problems. Here are the most common loud engine causes.

1. A rusted or damaged exhaust

When the driver hits some object on the road, the exhaust parts like manifold, front pipe, and tailpipe may be damaged. Sometimes, due to the rusting of the exhaust system, the car becomes noisier.

2. Damaged Bearings

If your car’s engine is producing a thumping sound like a washing machine with a hard object inside or constant knocking noise, then the engine bearings of the vehicle may have worn out. Since bearings offer a place for the engine to sit on, it produces a knocking sound when it goes wrong.

Also, if you have driven your car for too long, the bearings can start wearing out and cause noise. If left untreated, it can seize the engine.

3. Bad Muffler

When your engine is loud, it does not always necessarily mean a problem with the machine. Sometimes, a damaged muffler due to rust, weather, and heat can also lead to a weird sound when driving the car. The muffler is responsible for lowering the loud sound in the vehicle.

One sign to look for is the car making more fumes than expected and reduced gas mileage. If there are such signs, you must speak to a car muffler technician.

4. Spark plug

A bad spark plug can make the engine misfire and make a noisy sound. When the spark plug fails to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber, the car can misfire and produce a loud sound.

5. Dropped Oil Level

In the case of a grinding or rubbing sound, then most likely, your engine oil levels have dropped. Though in a regular car service, the mechanics ensure to monitor engine oil level, but many times, when the cars have not been serviced for long, this problem may come up.

Also, at times the sensor may not be working, it can also create a grinding sound. When the engine does not have enough oil for lubrication, it produces noise and damages the engine as well. Hence, add some oil immediately.

6. Auto transmission cars – Torque Converter problem

If you own an automatic transmission car, your car has a torque converter. When the transmission fluid drops, the torque converter fails. This makes grinding noises when the vehicle is in gear.

Effects of the exhaust system on the engine noise

Due to the strict legislation on car noise, it is essential to control exceeding noise levels. A car exhaust system not only lowers the gas emissions and directs it but reduces engine noise levels too.

  • If the exhaust tubing of your car has degraded, it starts making noise. Repairing or replacing it can reduce vehicle noise.
  • The position of your exhaust system also impacts the noise. Straight stacks make less noise than curved ones in the vertical exhaust system. In the horizontal systems, keep the exhaust pipes in the center of the road to lower noise.

What could be the legal troubles of loud car

As per the Department of Environment and Conversation (NSW) guidelines, exhaust noise from cars should not exceed the prescribed exhaust noise levels. The regulation levels are established from a set testing procedure. Car owners are responsible for ensuring low noise from their vehicles.

The Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2000 (the Regulation) contains details on preventing high noise levels from cars.

As per Australian Road Rule 291, the vehicles must not cause ‘unnecessary noise.’ The Police can levy demerit points and a fine. The RTA also assesses noise control legislation. The Environment Protection Authority or EPA and Police officers enforce the Regulation.

For most cars, the maximum noise limit can be 90 decibels, and for motorcycles, it is 94 decibels.

How can you fix a loud car engine?

Here is how you can lower the sound of the car engine.

1. A complete car engine inspection 

It is vital to get your car engine inspected by a professional mechanic. After a deep car engine inspection, the mechanic will be able to highlight the exact problem, that is making the engine sound louder than usual.

2. Inspect the Exhaust System

The faulty exhaust is one of the most likely causes of a loud engine. If you take it to the best service center, the specialists will check the car exhaust muffler, exhaust pipes, and other exhaust systems to find and fix the problem.

Moreover you can –

  • Install a dual exhaust system to cut noise.
  • Install correct mufflers and silencers to lower sound.

3. Sound-Reducing Parts check 

Even when there is no issue with the car, it can make noise. There are factory-installed sound reduction parts in the vehicle. You need to ensure that these parts are working well.

A flame-retardant pad that lowers heat also cuts the engine noise. But the retainers holding the hood liner may deteriorate and hang. So, check if it is working fine in your car.

4. Check bearings

When the bearings are cut, a loud noise comes from the car. Ensure to get the bearing replaced or repaired.

5. Regular Car Maintenance.

Do not delay regular car servicing at auto repair shop. In a car service, the mechanics check the spark plug, refill engine oil, etc., eliminating the chances of your engine making noise.

Conclusion

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. It is essential to pay attention to the strange noises not just for compliance but also for healthy engine life. So, visit the auto repair services shop and get the inspection done.

 

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