If your engine has ever emitted a loud rumbling noise, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. There is a possibility that your car has serious damage that has to be addressed at once.
However, investigating the source of this malfunction can be pretty daunting. What exactly is causing your engine to be so loud? I looked into it, and here is what I found!
Why Is My Engine So Loud?
1. Your Engine Has An Old Torque Converter
Automobiles with automatic transmissions will likely suffer from a failing torque converter over time, especially if the car is not maintained correctly.
Further, you will know that the torque converter has a problem because your engine will produce a grinding sound whenever your car is in gear.
Often, torque converter issues happen when the needle bearings get worn or damaged or there is not enough transmission fluid.
2. Your Engine Needs Oil
Sometimes, your engine will emit loud noises simply because it needs more oil. If this is the case and you were not warned, consider getting your engine oil level monitor checked.
Typically, malfunctioning engine oil sensors are problems that occur with newer car models. For older car models, you must rely on regularly changing the oil or topping it off.
However, if you are unsure, consider getting your car checked by a trusted mechanic to rule out an oil leak.
3. Your Engine Has Worn Bearings
Engine bearings worn with age will produce an incessant knocking sound under your hood. Once you hear this, you must get your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Technically, when a car’s engine bearings seize up, your engine will stop functioning altogether.
At the first sign of worn engine bearings, have your mechanic diagnose the problem and perform a replacement before your engine fails completely.
4. Your Car Has A Leaking Exhaust
A leaking exhaust manifold will cause your engine to rumble or sputter, especially when starting your car. If this is the case, the “Check Engine” signal should light up.
With that, you must address a leaking exhaust immediately to prevent plastic car parts from melting and carbon monoxide from seeping into the passenger cabin.
5. Your Muffler Is Faulty
When using your car with a faulty muffler, the chances are that you will be pestered with a roaring sound. Technically, this sound will not be coming from your engine.
Apart from the unbearable noise a faulty muffler brings, you will notice that your car produces more fumes, and your gas mileage will be significantly reduced.
Also, while a faulty muffler is not a serious issue, it is best to have it addressed at once to keep your car from incurring further problems.
6. You Have Dirty Spark Plugs
Like the rest of your car’s components, the spark plugs can suffer from a build-up of dirt that will cause the car to misfire.
Technically, a misfire happens when the spark plugs fail to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber completely. As a result, your car will sputter and run louder than normal.
Once you bring your car to the mechanic, the spark plugs will either be cleaned or replaced.
7. Your Catalytic Converter Is Failing
Your car’s exhaust system cannot work without the catalytic converter. When your catalytic converter fails, the engine will produce a loud noise, and you will detect a rotten smell.
Sometimes, a failing catalytic converter may trigger the “Check Engine” light, which should alert you that something is seriously wrong with your car.
However, if you insist on using your car despite these warning signs, the catalytic converter will become completely blocked, and your car will seize up for good.
8. Your Tailpipe Is Broken
Since the tailpipe is connected to the muffler, you can expect a broken tailpipe to generate a lot of noise.
Without proper care, tailpipes can rust and grow several holes. Eventually, the tailpipe will fall off and trigger loud rumbling noises from your car.
If your tailpipe is beyond salvation, get a mechanic to replace it. Moving forward, ensure your tailpipe gets washed down regularly and inspected for damage.
9. Your Gaskets Or Seals Are Worn
Your car’s exhaust system is composed of a few seals and gaskets. Once these seals and gaskets start failing, the engine will begin to sputter and run louder.
Unfortunately, the wearing down of seals and gaskets cannot be avoided. Instead, you just have to ensure they are replaced at the first signs of wear and tear.
Also, the exhaust manifold can get severely damaged if you neglect to replace your exhaust system’s seals and gaskets.
10. Your Oxygen Sensors Are Malfunctioning
Oxygen sensors are responsible for feeding your car’s computer the data it needs to adjust the amount of fuel entering the engine.
Whenever oxygen sensors become dirty or start to malfunction, the sensors send out erroneous data. As a result, the engine is fed the wrong amount of fuel.
Further, with too little or too much fuel in the engine, the engine makes rumbling noises that can be alarming.
11. You Have A Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor
Another vital sensor you have to watch out for is the airflow sensor. The car can measure the air that enters the fuel injection system through the airflow sensor.
Then, this data is fed to the vehicle’s computer so enough fuel will be sent to the combustion chamber.
However, dirty airflow sensors can transmit the wrong data and create an overflow or shortage of fuel in the combustion chamber, making the engine loud.
Conclusion
Car engines produce different types of noises that indicate car components’ problems. Often, these noises are loud rumbling sounds that can be alarming.
If your car is producing these rumbling noises, you have to get your vehicle diagnosed at once. Some of the most common causes include worn-out parts like tailpipes and seals.
Also, it is possible for dirty and damaged spark plugs, catalytic converters, and oxygen sensors to trigger engine noises.