8 Reasons Why Your Car Engine Is So Loud & What To Do About It

8 Car Noises: What They Mean & If You Should Worry

Are you hearing a squeal, clunk, or clank? Don’t put your headphones on, and tune out! Learn which car noises should have you headed to your technician as soon as possible and which noises are less than urgent.

Sound #1: Screeching Sound When Braking

• What you hear: A high-pitched squealing coming from your tires when you step on the brake pedal.
• What’s happening: The brake pad wear indicator might be rubbing up against the rotor.
• Cause for concern? This isn’t an emergency. The brake pad indicator is there to let you know when your brake pads have worn down and need to be replaced.

If this is indeed the problem, you’re not in any immediate danger but you’ll want to plan to have your brake pads replaced in the near future. However, most brake noises are signs of trouble, and some can be serious, so it is best to get it checked by a professional technician.

Sound #2: Squealing Noise When Driving

• What you hear: A loud squealing noise coming from under the hood.
• What’s happening: This is a classic sign of a loose or worn serpentine belt.
• Cause for concern? Yes, because the serpentine belt powers many of your car’s major systems. A squealing serpentine belt is one that could be about to break or isn’t powering the engine’s accessories properly. When an old serpentine belt snaps, drive torque to all of the engine’s accessories is lost, and you’re left, well…” up the creek” with a car that won’t go or it could even overheat.

Unless you want to throw down some money for a tow truck, scheduling an appointment for a vehicle inspection may be in your best interest. Your technician can help you understand how much life, or how little life, may be left in this essential engine component.

Sound #3: Loud Noise When Starting

• What you hear: Sounds like a grumpy cat, “rur rur rur,” when you start the engine.
• What’s happening: Your battery is likely losing juice and is struggling to power the engine.
• Cause for concern? This is less of a safety concern and more of a convenience concern, as your car could end up failing to start tomorrow, next week, or next month—it’s tough to make an exact prediction. A slow engine crank paired with this unfortunate noise means your battery is on the fritz. It may be past its prime and in need of replacement.

Head over to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free battery test and our car whisperers will let you know how much “life” is left in your battery. Or, give your car a virtual battery test online!

Sound #4: Roaring Noise When Driving

• What you hear: A loud roaring sound coming from somewhere underneath the driver’s seat.
• What’s happening : You probably have a leak or crack in your exhaust system. The roaring you hear is excess engine noise that would normally get silenced by the muffler. When your exhaust system fails, all of your engine’s sound waves and vibrations get channelled into the car.
• Cause for concern? The driver’s seat is vibrating like a massage chair, which is kind of nice. And the noise isn’t too noticeable when the radio is cranked up. Maybe you can let this one slide? Nope. A malfunctioning exhaust system means that you could have poisonous carbon monoxide venting into the cabin.

Don’t delay—this is a sound you want to get checked out right away!

Sound #5: Flapping, Like a Fish Out of Water

• What you hear: A flapping or slapping sound when you run the air conditioner or blowers.
• What’s happening: A loose, misaligned or worn out ventilation flap is, well. flapping.
• Cause for concern? No biggie. This might impact your airflow and the sound will likely drive you a little nuts, but it’s not a serious safety issue. Turn up the tunes, roll down your window, and feel free to get to it when you have time. Or, nip this annoying little problem in the bud by scheduling an A/C performance check .

Sound #6: A Giant, Groaning Yawn

• What you hear: When you turn the steering wheel, the car groans and whines like it just woke up from a deep and pleasant slumber. The steering wheel may also feel stiff and unresponsive.
• What’s happening: Something in your power steering system is causing friction. According to the folks at CarTalk, your power-steering pump could be about to say, “Farewell!”
• Cause for concern? Yes. Have your power-steering system checked out. As the problem worsens, you’ll slowly lose control over the car’s steering. You could also cause further damage to the rest of the power-steering system.

This is a significant safety issue. Schedule a checkup at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care location as soon as you can. In the meantime, try not to make any fast or sudden turns.

Sound #7: Squeaking Noise When Turning The Steering Wheel

• What you hear: The steering column squeaks when you turn the wheel.
• What’s happening: Like a groaning steering wheel, this is an indicator of an issue with the power-steering system, but a light squeak is less concerning than a major groan. It’s likely a symptom of low power-steering fluid.
• Cause for concern? Not as big of a safety concern as Sound #6. If topping off your power-steering fluid fixes the problem, then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. This fluid is the cheapest part of your power-steering system and changing it/keeping it topped off can help extend the life of the much pricier power-steering pump and rack, says CarTalk. If replacing the fluid doesn’t squelch the squeak, you may have a leak in your power-steering lines. Keep an eye on it.

Sound #8: Are We At A Metal Show? Or Is That My Brakes?

• What you hear: Loud, metal on metal grinding sound coming from your brakes.
• What’s happening: You’ve worn right through your brake pads and now the calipers are grinding against the rotor.
• Cause for concern? When it comes to your car, metal on metal grinding is almost always a cause for concern. In this case, your brakes won’t work properly until you get the pads replaced. What’s more, driving without brake pads is dangerous. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 25% of vehicle crashes can be attributed to brakes that were degraded or failing.

Accidents like these can be avoided with a little forethought and maintenance. When you hit the road, don’t let it hit you back. Schedule a brake repair service today and stay ahead of brake problems.

When your car works, everything works. If your car is trying to tell you something is out of whack, listen. Then turn to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care location for all of your noise-related questions or repair needs. Schedule your appointment online or give your local technician a call today!

8 Reasons Why Your Car Engine Is So Loud & What To Do About It

Strange engine sounds indicate something is wrong with your car. Understand the cause of the sound and act immediately to avoid escalating the issue.

Why is my car engine so loud?

The reasons car engines suddenly get noisy include dirty spark plugs, busted mufflers, and low engine oil. Turning up the stereo sound and wishing it goes away won’t work. Finding out the problem and fixing it in good time will save you costly repairs in the future.

We sought to understand why a car engine suddenly started making loud noises since this had happened to us once. Surprisingly, it was so sudden that we had to learn the hard way to always be prepared for roadside emergencies. In a bid to understand this phenomenon, we visited several mechanics and talked to a few of our friends who are car enthusiasts, and the findings were amazing.

Reasons Why Your Car Engine So Loud

A Malfunctioning Muffler

This is often the first culprit you must check out whenever your car makes strange, loud noises. The muffler may be damaged or fail to work, hence the loud noise. The muffler can fail or get damaged when you drive in a rough patch or when it wears off over time. Regardless of the cause of damage, a muffle with a hole leads to excess fumes, lost gas mileage, and blaring noises. The broken muffle is a minor issue that must be fixed immediately to avoid getting towed when the problem gets out of hand.

Poor Catalytic Converter

Every car exhaust system has a catalytic converter. This is an essential part of the car. Whenever it fails to work as expected, the engine will be louder and have a rough run. Besides that, the exhaust will release a bad rotten-egg-like smell. Unfortunately, the bad catalytic situation will prompt the driver to check the engine when the Check Engine Light prompt comes up. Act fast since the converter failing leads to engine blockage, and eventually, the car will be ground to a halt. If this happens, you need a tow. Any attempt to drive in this condition will lead to exhaust fumes filling the cabin when you drive.

Case of Lower Engine Oil Level

Every time your car’s engine oil level drops, the first sign you get is grinding sounds from the engine area. This will be more evident if the engine oil sensor is broken, failing, or faulty. Typically, the sensor should indicate whenever the oil level drops. However, if it fails, check the engine level manually at intervals. This is the best way to ensure it does not fall below acceptable levels. Try to get to a service station and top up the engine oil level. Additionally, try to take the car for servicing and have a professional check the cause of the low engine level. This will rule out any possibility of leaks.

The Tailpipe May be Broken

Just like mufflers are a major culprit for loud engine sounds, broken tailpipes fall in the same category. The tailpipe may develop holes over time due to rusting. You may have to endure the increased engine noises if you drive with such a tailpipe. It is best to take the car to a professional and have the tailpipe replaced in case the rusting is beyond repair. Ignoring this leads to the tailpipe falling off. In more complicated situations, the damage could cause exhaust fumes to leak inside the car and make it uncomfortable for you and other users.

The Bearings are Worn Out

Your engine bearings wear out just like any other part of the car. If this happens, the sounds you hear from the engine will resemble that of a washing machine with wobbly, unstable feet. Bearings wear out with time, causing the engine to develop knocking sounds that are heard consistently. If you notice this as a problem, it is best to stop the vehicle and tow it to the nearest auto shop for repairs. Attempting to drive with worn-out bearings only increases the risk of damaging the engine. Usually, the bearings hold other moving parts of the engine together, so a slight mishap can render the entire engine useless.

Leaking Exhaust Manifold

The car’s exhaust manifold is responsible for collecting all exhaust fumes as the car engine works. Every time it leaks, your engine suffers from uneven running and sputters, leading to louder sounds than average. Make sure to act fast if you don’t want the leaking fumes to get into the cabin. The best move is to resist driving under this condition and, instead, have the car towed to the garage for repairs.

When Gaskets and Seals Wear Out

The exhaust system of your car has lots of gaskets and seals. However, these also wear out with time and stop working as they should. The result is increased engine noises. Make sure to schedule gasket and seal replacement as part of regular maintenance practice. Failure to do this leads to more expensive repairs as the manifold easily gets damaged. If you suspect this to be the issue, have the car taken to an auto repair shop and fixed immediately.

Dirty or Poor Spark Plugs

Your engine will misfire every time the spark plugs are bad. This often leads to increased engine noises/sounds. The good news is that they often warn you as they make sputtering sounds when dirty or bad. Fix this with regular maintenance. Other common problems that lead to loud engine sounds include malfunctioning oxygen sensors and worn-out or failing torque converters. Your engine will produce a loud and rough sound whenever the oxygen sensor fails or is dirty. The sensor measures the richness of the exhaust fumes when passing through the exhaust fumes. When it fails to work, your engine gets the wrong fuel levels, and the engine noises increase. If unsure of the main issue, take the vehicle to pros at auto repair shops for analysis and fixing.

Key Takeaways

• Busted mufflers, low engine oil levels, and poor spark plugs may cause a loud engine.
• Fixing the causes of loud engine sounds is essential to avoid further damage.
• Always diagnose the issue behind the loud engine sounds.
• Don’t dismiss a loud engine right away.

Engine Sounds Loud When Accelerating? Here’s Why and How To Fix

Is your car loud when accelerating? Louder than it should, perhaps? Here’s why your car engine is loud during acceleration and how to fix it.

By Benjamin Kitchen

This article has been written by a vetted expert and fact-checked by other experts. The author has been certified as an expert in this topic. Learn more on our about page.

July 17, 2025 2 days ago

If you notice any strange sounds coming from your car, you should take it to a mechanic. This rule applies to all noises: loud, quiet, squeaking, ticking… you name it.

Any sounds developing under acceleration are related to increased engine load.

The problem might be a mundane, straightforward fix. However, it might be as serious as an overheating engine, potentially ending in a seizure. Not good.

In this straightforward guide, I will run through some of the most common causes of a loud engine when accelerating. No matter the root cause, it’s worth taking your car to a mechanic for:

• Inspection
• Diagnosis
• Repair
• A check-up
• A tune-up
• A service

Even if you succeed in stopping the noise, it is vital to inspect for any lasting harm.

Without any further delay, let’s talk about these thunderous noises your car’s making under acceleration!

Table of Contents Show

Why Does My Engine Sound Louder When Accelerating?

It is entirely normal for engines to get louder when you accelerate.

In an automatic vehicle, the transmission shifts down a gear (or two or three). In a manual, you’ll do this yourself. By doing so, the engine is forced to rotate much quicker to maintain the same speed.

The swifter your engine turns (“revolves”), the more noise it’ll make. That’s why it’s so much louder in your car on the freeway than when driving around town.

Engine speed is measured in revolutions (“revs”) per minute, or RPM.

However, if your car engine is noisier than usual when accelerating, there could be a more significant issue.

What Loud Sound Is The Engine Making Under Acceleration?

This guide will be split into the various sounds you might be hearing. It will then suggest some common issues based on the noise.

Loud Engine Noise Under Acceleration – Normal, Just Noisier

If your engine sounds noisier under acceleration, you could have a blowing exhaust.

When an exhaust blows, the gases escape somewhere before the final tailpipe.

It’s feasible to find where your exhaust is emitting, provided you do so cautiously.

1. Park your car on flat ground. Do this with a friend so someone can help you if you run into difficulties.
2. Leave the engine switched on, put it in Park, and apply the parking brake.
3. Get underneath the car.
4. Follow the loud, deep sound to its approximate origin.
5. With your hand, you’ll feel exhaust gases escaping. Bear in mind that these might be hot, so don’t scald yourself.
6. Take note of the specific pipe with the blow. This is the only one that needs replacing.

Usually, exhausts blow somewhere in the piping (due to moisture accumulation and deterioration), in the muffler (at the rear), or at a connecting sleeve.

That said, it’s always possible for a hole or crack to open up in the manifold or the downpipe. These two segments, the initial two channels the gases travel through after leaving the engine, are located at the front of your vehicle.

If they’re blowing, your engine will sound noisier all the time. However, it’ll be especially pronounced under acceleration.

Squeaking Or Squealing When Accelerating

Are you noticing a squeaking or screeching sound from your engine when you accelerate? If so, check the serpentine drive belt before anything else. It’s by far the most probable cause.

You will notice a sharp sound that follows your engine speed. When you accelerate, the noise will intensify.

Open the hood. That big black belt you can see looping around several pulleys? That’s the one to look at.

When a belt starts to get delicate or loses tension (for some reason), it can’t “hold onto” the pulleys.

Think of it a bit like your tires. When they slip on the road, you hear that tire screech. It’s the same thing for the pliable belt outside your engine.

So, as you’re examining your belt out, does it look frayed or worn? Is it slack? It should be tightly attached to the pulleys with no signs of wear and tear. If you notice any warning signs, replace the belt.

While you’re there, run the engine. Of course, you should ensure it’s in Park with the parking brake on. Remove any loose items of clothing or anything that might catch.

Are all the wheels spinning? If the belt is passing across one that’s seized, it’ll create the same squeaking noise. In this case, you’ll need a new wheel too.

Take your car to a mechanic. They’ll use the tensioner – inbuilt or otherwise – to remove the old belt (and perhaps a wheel) and replace it.

Banging Or Knocking

A banging or knocking sound under acceleration could be caused by faulty motor mounts or bearings.

As you accelerate, the clanging noise might come from the engine block leaning rearward. You know how you get thrown back in your seat when you slam your foot down? That’s what’s happening to your motor, too.

The block will move around as the forces acting on it constantly change. This could create a pounding-type sound.

Although new bearings and mounts aren’t too challenging to replace, mechanics will need an engine hoist. Depending on the damage, they might need to spend some time repairing the adjacent area too.

As such, it’s challenging to put a figure on the repair cost. Expect to pay at least $75 per hour, plus parts. This will likely end up somewhere around $400 to $700.

Tapping, Ticking, Or Clicking

A ticking or tapping sound is often a sign of deteriorating components. In some cases, it’s nothing to fret about. All cars and engines have finite lifespans. They aren’t everlasting.

However, it could also be a sign of low oil. You’ll probably see the temperature gauge start overheating, too. This tapping/clacking could be components hitting each other where they aren’t lubricated adequately.

Park on level ground and turn your engine off. Check your oil level using the dipstick. Is it low? Top it up, ensuring you use the proper motor oil (check your owner’s handbook).

Other potential causes include issues with the valvetrain, ignition plugs, and crankshaft.

If it’s getting particularly bad when accelerating, you might like to consider either:

• Fuel and oil additives – these clean a lot of the gunk out of your engine.
• A service – new oil, spark plugs, fluids, and potentially a battery will give your car a new lease of life.
• A major engine service – paying a professional to disassemble your engine will be costly. Think in the thousands. However, there’s no better way to do a deep clean and replace any worn metal or rubber components.

Sometimes, cars just make noises. It might be nothing to worry about. That said, take your vehicle to a mechanic and let them tell you that. Don’t sit back, do nothing, and hope for the best!

Grinding Sounds

Grinding sounds under heavy acceleration isn’t good. It’s seldom a straightforward, damage-less fix. Prepare yourself for what could be a substantial repair investment!

If you hear a grinding sound coming from your engine as you accelerate, immediately pull over. Should your transmission break while driving, you’ll be in a highly perilous situation. At the side of the road, call for breakdown assistance.

The grinding noise you’re hearing isn’t likely to be the engine, contrary to what you’ll read on the internet. Well – if it is, it’s probably beyond rescuing.

It’s more likely to be your transmission or a driven rotational component, such as a CV axle. It could be a stuck brake pad or a seriously damaged wheel bearing.

Whatever it is, it’ll need removing and either replacing or reconstructing. A transmission rebuild could cost you a few thousand dollars. For the other tasks, expect to pay between $200 and $500.

What’s The Most Likely Reason For A Loud Noise When Accelerating?

If your engine simply sounds louder, check for a blowing exhaust. Remember, this could be anywhere, from the manifold all the way through to the tailpipe.

Otherwise, check out some of the additional suggestions above.

In the end, you might decide that you just have a loud car. That’s fine! It’s better to be careful than regretful.

As always, a swift look down a page on the internet is helpful, but no match for an in-person inspection.

Take your car to a mechanic. They’ll have a comprehensive look for you. In the end, they might tell you everything’s fine – don’t be embarrassed! It’s their job, and it’s better to be cautious than sorry.

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