If you hear a rattling sound when you accelerate, find the source of the noise. Remember, even a minor rattling sound can cause big problems down the line. The noise can be an early warning sign of a problem that can affect your ability to drive your car safely. As such, you should identify and address the problem right away.
Here are common reasons why a car rattles when accelerating.
A heat shield wraps around a car exhaust manifold. The shield prevents manifold heat from reaching components under the hood of your car.
Your car’s heat shield can be exposed to debris and moisture. And, rust can form as particles accumulate on the shield. Over time, rust can damage the shield and cause it to break. In this instance, your car can emit a rattling sound when accelerating at a low speed.
Engine mounts help keep your car’s engine in place. They consist of rubber and metal that is susceptible to wear and tear.
If the engine mounts wear out, they cannot stop your car’s engine from moving around while you’re driving. When you press down on the gas pedal, your engine can come into contact with other metal components under the hood. This can result in a rattling sound from under the hood any time you accelerate.
A transmission serves as a car’s gearbox. It requires fluid that creates a thin layer between the transmission’s moving parts. Transmission fluid ensures that these parts won’t rub directly against one another.
Ultimately, a transmission cannot function properly without sufficient lubrication. If your car’s transmission is poorly lubricated, metal components inside of it will grind against one another. This can lead to a rattling sound as gears wear down inside the transmission. Even worse, these gears may eventually make the transmission unusable.
A worn-down exhaust component can cause your car to rattle when you accelerate. These components can include:
A single defective component can have far-flung effects on your exhaust system. It can also hamper your car’s performance and fuel economy. If an exhaust system component looks worn out, address the problem immediately.
Your car’s intake and exhaust valves can get stuck or wear out. This can lead to premature ignition inside the combustion chambers. It can also cause a rattling noise similar to the sound created by glass bottles clinking together when you accelerate.
It pays to prioritize car care and maintenance. If your car consistently makes a rattling noise when accelerating, now is a good time to bring it to a professional mechanic. At this point, the mechanic can find out why your car rattles when accelerating and correct the issue.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Tucson – Thoroughbred, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Tucson area including Colonia Del Valle, Rosemont West, Myers, Naylor, Corbett, and Wilshire Heights.
