How to figure out what an unfamiliar car engine noise is

“A few seconds after we started the engine up, it started making a kind of chk-chk sound that speeds and slows with the engine’s rpm.”source ↗

“My car is making a super weird noise and if anyone can help me find out what it is i would be so appreciative. It starts with the weird noise when i start the car and gets faster and louder when i drive it sounds like a tractor.”source ↗

“It’s either a crate more or he had it rebuilt just not clue what it’s for or what year.”source ↗

“I can tell it’s a ford that’s all I know”source ↗

“A couple days ago I noticed my car making a chattering sound with some squeaking and lots of stuff”source ↗

“When I use my steering wheel however, it makes more noise.”source ↗

“I'm very confused at what could be broken.”source ↗

“It recently started making this whining weasel noise as soon I start driving then quiets down after 20 miles not sure what could be it's a 2016 Chevy Cruze lt second Gen 1.4l automatic Auto start.”source ↗

“I recently noticed a high pitched sound during idle.”source ↗

“I’m not a mechanic, so I’m out of my element here.”source ↗

“i just wanted to see if these were noises I should be worried about or not.”source ↗

“Can someone tell me if this sound is normal ? It does not sound normal to me but I am not a mechanic and was hoping to get other peoples opinion who would know more.”source ↗

“Is this normal sound idle from my engine?”source ↗

“My previous did put all 5 quarts when my 2000 Nissan maxima is needed only 4.2 so maybe that could be issue?”source ↗

“I can visibly hear clearly the rods moving etc. but idk if this is normal on older engine. Its sounding bit louder”source ↗

“2019 mazda 6 with 300k kms. Tryna see if this is lifter tick or normal noise for a skyactive engine”source ↗

“Hi all, now it is subtle but after a long drive or a spirited drive when I’m letting the car cooldown I notice this noise. Just curious if it’s normal as Iv owned a few cars and haven’t experienced this”source ↗

“Hello this noise has been going on for a few months and I want to understand what it is before taking it in to the workshop, any advice would be really appreciated.”source ↗

“Hello, my car started making a whistling noise about 2 weeks ago. Any ideas what it could be?”source ↗

“I’m going to the mechanic but wanted to have an idea on what it could be beforehand.”source ↗

“Its a 2016 Chevy Cruze Lt second Gen 1.4 L turbo I started thinking is was the turbo but now I'm sure what it is please help.”source ↗

“it didn’t sound normal to me but I currently drive a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 so I wasn’t sure if it was normal or not”source ↗

“this usually happens when turning right. 98 honda del sol”source ↗

“hi sorry forgot to add but its making noise on the rear right side”source ↗

“My oil looks more than enough on the dipstick I check probably little overfilled. As a non mechanic how do I know serpentine belt is running smoothly?”source ↗

“It’s an old car I’d take preventative maintenance seriously but idk what’s this one is”source ↗

“2012 Mazda 3 2.5l. Rattle came up on the drive home.”source ↗

“Someone recently made a comment about my engine noise, and now I'm questioning whether it sounds normal.”source ↗

“Does this sound like normal engine operation for this vehicle, or is there something I should have a mechanic investigate?”source ↗

“I'd appreciate some opinions before I spend money on an unnecessary diagnostic appointment.”source ↗

“It started making a metallic sound from inside the engine,no oil consumption or leak,I believe it s the oil pump that failed,we didn t drive the car anymore”source ↗

“the car has oil in it the knock stops when the car is warmed up a bit”source ↗

“Hearing a kind of whirring noise from the back left of the car.”source ↗

“Cuz the sound is driving me nuts. The sound gets louder with speed and not revs and it sounds like a second car is in the car with me but slightly louder than my car lol”source ↗

“Started making a new noise. It’s the high pitched rattle. Checked my oil levels and they are at the right level between the two notches. Oil is a little brown but still pretty clear. Is it anything to worry about?”source ↗

“2010 civic what can make my car do this”source ↗

“The noise in the video is only present when in drive, nothing in park or neutral. It only happens when you hit the throttle hard.”source ↗

“It’s loudest at the rear pcv when using a stethoscope.”source ↗

“This is driving me crazy so any help would be appreciated.”source ↗

“there's this engine sound I'm acutely tuned into now and it is driving me bonkers.”source ↗

“Hello, was hoping someone can help figure out what's wrong with our Sienna (120k miles). Could it be the timing belt? Thanks”source ↗

“Hoping someone can help figure out what's wrong with our Sienna (120k miles). Could it be the timing belt?”source ↗

“Thanks, I wouldn't even know how to remove the belt and not something I'd be comfortable doing. I'll have to take it in to get it checked out.”source ↗

“So i started my BMW e90 today and it started this weird noise from the engine, it sounds like an AC but my radio and AC are disconnected atm.”source ↗

“Also there is like wind blowing out of my engine too and its pretty loud as u can hear. Please tell me what this is 🙏”source ↗

“its got the check engine light flashing and shi too”source ↗

“Yea I’m taking it today, it only started flashing when this started so I’m unsure”source ↗

“Idk if it matters but it’s louder on the passenger side, same noise hot or cold”source ↗

“you can hear ticking from the engine as the revs drop”source ↗

“I noticed the revs increasing while idling even though my foot was not on the accelerator”source ↗

“decided to see if I could hear anything wrong”source ↗

“I know nothing about cars...”source ↗

“Started hearing this noise after starting my car. Sometimes goes away faster than other times. Doesn’t go away completely though as I sometimes will hear a similar sounds while driving at low speeds.”source ↗

“Any idea what could it be?”source ↗

“Kia rio 2014 i hear that sound when i start engine”source ↗

“Ive been having engine cooling issues for the last couple months. When I turn on my car it seems the noise that I hear is coming from the belt’s wheels. I need help figuring out what’s the issue/noise, if I can still drive it to work or if it needs to be replaced asap, and if this is indicative of a deeper/underlying issue?”source ↗

“The noise that it’s been making has evolved over time. When I first heard it, the rattling sound wasn’t nearly as violent.”source ↗

“His car died today and he had to jump the battery as well, but it took several attempts and the engine sounded terrible when it was attempting to turn over.”source ↗

“I have a 2015 toyota camry SE with about 160k miles on it. A few months ago I started hearing a strange noise coming from the engine, only occasionally and it was very faint. It’s slowly become louder and more noticeable, I can hear it sometimes when i’m driving at very low speeds with my window down but usually once I speed up I can’t hear it anymore. Really hoping it’s not something too bad.”source ↗

“i just wanted to see if these were noises I should be worried about or not.”source ↗

“I just bought a used 2009 Pontiac vibe gt and the car’s engine makes a loudish, very deep hum / noise that’s more noticeable when going from slow speed to higher speeds”source ↗

“I don’t have a baseline so I don’t know if this is normal noise was wondering if anyone could let me know”source ↗

“I am in the process of diagnosing the noise coming from my little brother’s toyota corolla. For context, this noise only seems to appear when the engine is at operating temps and is especially audible when the car is sitting and idling.”source ↗

“Any ideas as to what it could be? I am thinking it’s some pulley bearing along the serpentine belt going bad, but I need a second opinion as to what the noise could point to.”source ↗

“Also, how urgent is this to fix? I want to make sure he doesn’t get left stranded with his belt snapped”source ↗

“There’s a cyclic/oscillating noise coming from around the intake manifold. The noise gets louder and more noticeable as the engine warms up.”source ↗

“It’s coming from the belt/engine side of the car. The engine is vibrating I don’t know if that’s a normal thing probably is but the noise is constant while the car is on and it only just started today, the noise seems to get slightly louder when I start going faster than 15-20 mph”source ↗

“Noise that started happening a couple of days ago, a whirring type of noise unrelated to engine it seems and more related to speed of car, I’m guessing it’s probably a bearing? Would appreciate any other guesses”source ↗

“i noticed that my engine has been running rough for the past couple of days. i’m about 150 miles behind on my oil change (getting it done this weekend). i’m hoping that’s the problem but could it be something more?”source ↗

“Does this sound healthy? It’s a 1.7 I4 04 civic, just wanna make sure it’s nothing crazy because the sound just makes me worried lol”source ↗

“i cant help but notice the weird sounds coming out the engine. Aswell as how jolty the car feels when i accelerate it.”source ↗

“recently ive been hearing this noise while idle and while driving. any advice? what could it be?”source ↗

“The noise is comming from the engine, not the exhaust”source ↗

“Honestly I’ve thought that but I never noticed it before. I’ve done this with my other car before because it sounds like lifter tick but that’s just what it sounds like”source ↗

“I have a 2005 Buick rendezvous cxl 3.4L I don’t use much and it started making this noise when I started it today.”source ↗

“Not sure what the sound is. Very noticeable when outside the vehicle.”source ↗

“There’s a very slight ticking sound coming l, any chance it’s rod knock?”source ↗

“I’m comparing it to YouTube videos of rod knocking but this doesn’t sound the same.”source ↗

“When the car is in idle but when in drive or reverse it’s not there. Sound also goes in park.”source ↗

“When it has a battery in it as well it makes a clank or popping sound and I'm wondering what it could be”source ↗

“Not turning on just before starting”source ↗

“Didn't come out until after a few minutes the engine was started.”source ↗

“I just got a used motor in it, and after driving 1000 km I started to sound like this at high rpms.”source ↗

“I 2016 Chevy Cruze lt second Gen 1.4 I been having problems with this noise it just started I'm not sure what it could be pleave help”source ↗

“What could this scraping and crackling noise be?”source ↗

“I only hear it while in motion and braking”source ↗

“And yes I did look under the truck, nothing is scraping on the ground.”source ↗

“it was fine up until today it started making this noise, I topped it off with some oil but it seems to be coming from serpentine area so I wasn’t sure if it had anything to do with the other fluids”source ↗

“It drives normal but it sounds concerning and would prefer to fix it myself. The air filter is knocking when I pop the hood, was wondering if that could cause the issue.”source ↗

“Went to Firestone for oil change. I asked about the thumping on idle and they said it might be an underlying issue that they’d need to run under diagnostic but I had already done that”source ↗

“I replaced the serpentine belt all of the spark plugs and fixed the overheating but it still makes the slight sound in the beginning help”source ↗

“I literally just changed my oil and filter”source ↗

“Started after driving my usual 7 minutes to work. Hindsight after thinking kinda sounds like a timing chain guide/component of some sort.”source ↗

“Paid $1k for it 4 years ago, thinking this might be it since Im too broke to afford a mechanic to do it and im not comftorable enough messing with timing repairs.”source ↗

“That was changed around 6 months ago with an aftermarket one.”source ↗

“Yes, the oil was changed a month ago and it still has a good level.”source ↗

“Follow up question, how much is it going to cost me 😅”source ↗

“It makes the noise whether or not the AC is on.”source ↗

“We thought so too but even if the air is completely off, it still makes that noise. I don’t know enough about compressors to know if that’s a thing”source ↗

“My engine has been making this noise recently and before I sell it what is it and is it an affordable fix? I got an oil change last and after that this noise just began.”source ↗

“How bad do you think it is/how important is it to get done?”source ↗

“I cleaned the throttle body on my 1997 Mazda B4000 4.0L with GUNK throttle body cleaner using the long straw.”source ↗

“The engine has developed a loud high-pitched whistle/squeal at idle.”source ↗

“I'm trying to determine whether I should replace the throttle body, IAC, or both before throwing parts at it.”source ↗

“That high pitched whine that changes with RPM sounds a lot like an alternator on its way out or a bearing in one of the pulley assemblies. I had a similar noise on an older car and it was the idler pulley, the bearing dried up and started screaming at me.”source ↗

“My car is continuously purring but i’m not sure where in the car it’s coming from.”source ↗

“Please help me identify this noise. Even after an oil change, the noise hasn't changed.”source ↗

“if the engine is at 3100rpm it's making this whirring noise.”source ↗

“It drives me crazy.”source ↗

“I have this same noise on my Ford Fusion crossover and i cant find the problem at all!”source ↗

“Any clue on what that noise could be (it’s not the belt I checked it)”source ↗

“😭 I don’t exactly know where that would be”source ↗

“Hello! My apologies, I should have been more specific. But it's like a chirping noise, kind of high pitched. It gets louder when at 5 seconds.”source ↗

“Just listen to the video please and help if you can.”source ↗

“No. It still goes in park when I rev. When I reverse its gone.”source ↗

“Only makes for the noise for first 30 minutes of driving then goes away. Also only happens when accelerating or stepping on the gas pedal.”source ↗

“Woke up to this. Any idea or advice what it might be? Anything would be appreciated. It’s a 2016 Scion Frs 74k miles. Super sad at this point.”source ↗

“I heard that for wheel bearings, the sound is constant and happens all the time time is this correct”source ↗

“1996 pontiac grand prix. 3100 V6. Could this be a misfire? Or something else?”source ↗

“It makes this repetitive high pitched noise. It seems like it started or became noticeable after the drive belt was replaced.”source ↗

“I definitely hear a noise I didn't hear before. I'm not good at describing noises, but it sounds like a "wee wee wee wee" noise.”source ↗

“2008 lexus is250 v6. check engine light is on and now making this noise at idle and accelerating”source ↗

“Its hard to tell from a video but it could just need a valve adjustment or that could be the vent valve cycling.”source ↗

“The oil looks good, wasnt making this sound a month ago.”source ↗

“Sounds like a lifter tick? Or i heard they have balance shafts?”source ↗

“that tick is way too metallic and sharp for just a lifter. the balance shaft theory makes more sense if the belt's been off timing or the bearings are cooked, they get real clattery when they're on the way out.”source ↗

“I hear this squeaking sound coming from outside of my car every time I start my car up, also happens more often than not when I accelerate, brake, or make a turn.”source ↗

“I know an embarrassingly little amount about cars for the type of car I drive tbh. If anyone knows what this could be please let me know.”source ↗

“when i accelerate, it sounds like my engine is roaring a bit. sounds like it’s working harder than it normally does. sorry i’m not familiar w cars at all so i’m not sure if i’m explaining that well”source ↗

“any guidance helps! thank you”source ↗

“Are you asking about the clicking sound?”source ↗

“My 2002 Toyota Corolla with the 1NZ-FE 1.5L has started making a hissing/ticking/puffing noise from the engine bay.”source ↗

“Idles rough, like a rhythmic shake”source ↗

“Feels weak/struggles to move under acceleration”source ↗

“It’s nerve racking because it seems like I’ve tried everything.”source ↗

“Last night I got home and my truck started making this noise from the engine, my oil levels are good and I’m not to sure what it could be.”source ↗

“cause my mechanic said they can’t check the vehicle until 2 weeks from now.”source ↗

“I’ve been noticing a fairly loud ticking or clacking noise when I rev it. From my perspective it sounds like valve train noise.”source ↗

“Today it was particularly cold, around 20°C. Im not usually around when my dad starts it in the morning for work, but today I was and was surprised how loud it was.”source ↗

“Should I be worried? Dad swears thats how it starts even from brand new 18 years ago, and I shouldn't be worried.”source ↗

“I’ve had this car for a couple months and I’ve just noticed this ticking coming from the engine.”source ↗

“I was wondering if this was normal from the fuel injectors or I should get it checked.”source ↗

“Truck sat for roughly 8 years just pulled it in and started it now it’s making this noise.”source ↗

“Can anybody help figure out what this noise is ?”source ↗

“It sounds like it’s coming from tired .”source ↗

“That’s when noise started after getting the new tire so I had it changed again .”source ↗

“The noise has grown from barely noticeable to almost loud within the last month.”source ↗

“Hi everyone, could anyone help me identify this mid/high pitch noise ?”source ↗

“The noise seems to precisely follow the rpms of the engine with no delay so I believe the turbo is not guilty (may be wrong)”source ↗

“I noticed this sound comes at lower speeds and when slowing down. Does anyone have an idea of what it is? I believe I hear it on the rear right weel”source ↗

“I heard the AC unit kick on and it sounded louder than it normally does with a slight whine.”source ↗

“Any advice on what my level of concern should be or actions to remedy this would be greatly appreciated.”source ↗

“I’m thinking alternator bearing or belt tensioner but not sure. No codes or change in any temps or anything.”source ↗

“Noticed this sound whenever my window is open.”source ↗

“But my instincts are telling me this sound is not good or normal, and I don't recall it sounding like this when I bought it in January.”source ↗

“But I don't work on vehicles and don't have knowledge at what it may be.”source ↗

“My Volvo V40 (hatchback, 2003, 1.9 D engine, 420.000 km) is making a really loud, high pitched noise (you can listen to it in the video) when the ignition is turned on.”source ↗

“Does this sound like a worn out/loose serpentine belt? Or that I possibly need a new tensioner? The is the engine at idle. I have 216k miles and l, as far as I know (I bought the car at 113k), the belt is still the original.”source ↗