Why Does My Car Make A Rattling Noise When Started?
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
When your car makes a rattling noise at startup, it's often a sign that something's wrong with the engine. This could be due to loose components or a more serious issue.
At FindTheBestCarPrice, we've dealt with a lot of car problems and know that understanding the cause of these noises can save you time and money.
This article will break down the common reasons behind a rattling noise when starting your car, helping you figure out what might be going on under the hood.
Table of Contents
- Reasons Your Car Makes Rattling Sound When Starting Video
- 7 Potential Reasons For A Rattling Noise When Starting a Car
- Why Does My Car Make a Rattling Noise on Cold Start
- How To Fix a Rattling Noise on Cold Start
- Do Cars Rattle More When Started in the Cold
- Common Car Noises You Should Be Used To
- Best Car Deals by Category
Reasons Your Car Makes Rattling Sound When Starting Video
7 Potential Reasons For A Rattling Noise When Starting a Car
There are several reasons why there's a rattling noise when starting the car.
The following are the reasons why there's a rattling noise when starting a vehicle:
1. Loose Engine Heat shield
The loose heat shield is one of the most common reasons rattling noises occur when starting a car.
This component is made from various materials, such as aluminum foils and sheets, which can rust easily and cause screws to become loose.
2. Failing Motor Mounts
If the motor mounts fail, it could lead to a rattling Noise when starting your car. But, on the other hand, it could also be a sign that something is wrong with the system.
Usually, these mounts are molded with rubber to prevent damage and vibrations. These components protect the engine from getting damaged or touched by other metal parts.
3. Bad Catalytic Converter
A missing or poorly fitted catalytic converter could cause it to make a rattling noise.
This component is usually made from ceramic-like materials and can get damaged.
4. Low Oil Level
Another common reason for car rattling is your vehicle's low oil level. Although most drivers don't realize it, low oil levels can cause engine parts to resonate. It's essential to regularly check the oil level to ensure it's filled.
5. Bent Pistons or Timing Chains
Another common cause of car rattling is the damage or loosening of the clutch or transmission.
This could cause vibrations that can affect the interior of the vehicle. Having a mechanic diagnose the issue is also essential to ensure the problem is fixed.
6. Broken Serpentine Belt
Serpentine belt powers the car parts like the air conditioner, water pumps, and steering pumps; if broken, it can cause some rattling sounds.
7. Damaged Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are essential engine components that ignite the fuel and air mixture, which in turn powers the engine.
When your spark plugs are corroded, it causes some knocking or rattling sounds.
Why Does My Car Make a Rattling Noise on Cold Start
A cold start happens when you try to turn on a car's ignition after leaving your car outside throughout the night. This usually happens when temperatures go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
When you crank your engine in a cold start, it causes damage to the variable valve actuator, which causes the engine to rattle during cold starts.
How To Fix a Rattling Noise on Cold Start
Cold start is technically bad for your engine as it puts strain on the battery and starter. Regular maintenance of your car, especially regular oil changes, can decrease the likelihood of damage to your actuator.
Do Cars Rattle More When Started in the Cold
Cold starting an engine can cause various damages to the oil and other fluids. It also wears out the starter and limits battery life.
It also depends on the newness of the car and the temperature of the region. Older cars, due to dirt and old grease that clogged the engine, will be affected more by cold start and rattle more compared to new vehicles, while in cold regions or seasons, the oil will congeal and take less time to flow, which will affect the actuator.
Common Car Noises You Should Be Used To
We all love driving our cars. However, the real trouble begins when our vehicle makes strange sounds, leaving us without a clear understanding of what's wrong and how to get it fixed.
These are some everyday car noises and what they signify:
1. Rattling Sound at Low Speeds
If you hear a loud clicking sound when you start to drive, it could be caused by a loose or misaligned hub cap.
It could be because you have previously replaced the wheel or because the nuts were not correctly adjusted.
Tightening the nuts is the easiest way to check for a faulty hub cap. If you still find nothing suspicious, it's essential to contact a repair shop.
2. Brake Squeal
One of the most common reasons for car noises is the squealing sound from the brake pads.
Although it's common for drivers to experience this, it's essential to understand that these components have a definite life and can be replaced if worn out.
Therefore, if you have experienced this type of Noise, it's essential to get your brake pads replaced. Also, make sure that your brake disc is adequately checked.
3. Clicking Sound While Turning
If you're experiencing a low clicking sound while turning your car, it could indicate something is wrong with your vehicle.
It could be because the front axle's constant velocity joints are causing the Noise.
If you're experiencing this type of issue, contacting a Go Mechanic Workshop immediately is essential.
The joints on the front axle are essential to maintain the vehicle's stability. If you neglect these components, they could have harmful effects on the car.
4. Squealing Under the Hood
If you hear a loud clicking sound while you're starting your car, it could be caused by a worn-out belt.
This belt is essential to the engine's functioning and is responsible for various external components such as the water pump, power steering pump, and alternator. Therefore, it should be replaced immediately.
This is not a simple task, and it's essential to avoid doing it yourself.
However, since this is one of the most common reasons for car noises, you must take the necessary steps to get your vehicle fixed.
5. Rumbling Sound From the Exhaust
If you're experiencing a loud clicking sound while you're starting your car, it could be caused by a worn-out belt.
However, if the sound comes from the rear compartment, it could be because of a crack or leak in the exhaust system.
The exhaust system usually silences the excess engine noise you hear, but once the issue worsens, it can start to make a noise.
If you're still experiencing this issue, it could be because of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Getting this issue fixed by a skilled mechanic can help minimize the effects of your vehicle on the environment.
6. Squeal While Turning
If you're experiencing a loud squealing sound while turning your car, it could indicate something is wrong with your vehicle.
For example, it could be because the power steering fluid is low. To check this issue, open your hood and remove the power steering reservoir.
7. Groaning Yawn While Turning
Another issue you might experience while making a turn is a groaning noise. This issue could be a severe problem, affecting your ability to control the steering.
You must take the necessary steps to address this issue, which should be fixed immediately by a skilled mechanic.
8. Grinding While Shifting Gears
One of the most common reasons our customers experience this issue is the grinding Noise while shifting gears.
This could be caused by a worn-out clutch or a faulty transmission. If you're experiencing this issue, you must get your car inspected by a skilled mechanic.
9. Knocking in the Engine Compartment
Another common reason some people experience this issue is the lack of fuel combustion.
This condition can affect the efficiency of your vehicle. If this happens with your car, it could prevent you from achieving the ideal fuel economy.
Another common cause of knocking is the lack of air-fuel mixture. This issue could be caused by the low-quality fuel you're putting into your car. Again, this could lead to engine knocking.
10. Popping Noise in the Engine
If you're experiencing a pop sound from your car's engine, it could be that it's telling you that it needs regular maintenance.
On the other hand, it could be caused by a faulty fuel filter or a bad spark plug.
Other common reasons drivers experience this issue include having a dirty fuel filter and poor spark plugs.
Several mechanic workshops have a car service that will allow you to get the most out of your vehicle's fuel. It's a good practice to have your vehicle inspected and serviced regularly.
