United Tire and Service News

No driver likes the experience of starting their vehicle only to hear mysterious car sounds of unknown origin from their engine. It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a significant issue and something that’s nothing to be concerned about, though, and a rough idle with associated noises can be especially troubling. The following are some of the most common reasons your car sounds loud when idling.

 

If your car shakes, bounces, or makes odd noises when it’s idling, there could well be a spark plug issue that needs your attention. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the combined mixture of fuel and air within your vehicle’s combustion chamber. If one of yours is damaged or isn’t installed correctly, your car may be burning through fuel at a spotty, sporadic rate.

 

A noisy or rough idle is often one of the first signs that you should have your spark plugs checked as soon as possible. If the problem is pronounced enough, you may also notice that your engine jerks, shudders, or otherwise seems to run roughly while driving.

 

All vehicles rely on a vacuum system to pull fuel into their engines. The great majority of them do this via an entire network of hoses and tubes. However, some newer vehicles have a throttle system that keeps the airflow through the system regular and regulates engine function.  

 

Even the best vacuum hoses will accumulate wear and tear, eventually requiring replacement. Old hoses develop leaks, allowing too much air to mix with your fuel. One sign that this could be happening is a rough idle, especially at a higher RPM. Another is an engine that misfires, so if you’ve noticed either of these symptoms lately, it’s time to have your hoses checked.

 

If you drive an older vehicle, the chances are pretty good that it relies on a carburetor instead of a more modern fuel injector. If you’ve been hearing odd car sounds under the hood or dealing with a rough idle, a carburetor issue is possible. If your system is also producing black smoke, you can be almost certain your carburetor is the culprit.

 

One way to keep carburetor build-up from becoming a bigger problem is to use a carburetor cleaner to dissolve excess carbon and keep your system running smoothly. Consult with a mechanic if that doesn’t clear up the issue.

 

Cars equipped with fuel injectors aren’t necessarily immune to a noisy or rough idle. Fuel injectors can accumulate dirt and grime over time, just like carburetors can. If your car sounds loud when idling, has been getting poor gas mileage, or both, a dirty carburetor may be the issue. As with carburetors, fuel injector cleaners can help you keep your system clean, efficient, and fully functional.

 

 

 

Any time your engine seems noisy or like it’s otherwise not functioning smoothly, it’s time to take a look under the hood sooner rather than later. Call your local United Tire & Service location or schedule an appointment online.