What Is Engine Knocking and How to Fix It

That constant annoying knocking sound you're hearing from your engine bay as you drive may costs you thousands later

car engine cover removed

Are you experiencing a knocking sound coming from the engine of your car? Chances are, this is a condition known as engine knocking. Engine knock can be caused by several different factors and can lead to expensive repairs if not addressed immediately. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what engine knocking is and how to fix it.

What Is Engine Knocking?

Engine knocking is an abnormal sound that occurs when fuel combusts in one or more areas of the engine at an incorrect time during the combustion process. This causes an uneven distribution of pressure within the combustion chamber, resulting in a loud bang or knocking sound.

The most common cause of engine knocking is spark knock or pre-ignition, which occurs when the spark plug fires too early due to poor timing or low-octane fuel. Another common cause of engine knock is detonation, which happens when high temperatures and pressures cause the fuel to combust prematurely.

How To diagnose the cause of your engine knocking

The first step to fixing engine knocking is to identify the source of the problem. If your car is equipped with an OBD2 port, you may be able to diagnose and fix certain types of engine knocks using a diagnostic scan tool such as an OBD2 scanner.

If not, then you should take your car to a qualified mechanic who can determine what type of repair is necessary for your specific vehicle make and model.

How To Fix Engine Knocking

Once you have identified the source of the problem, there are several steps you can take to fix it. If your car has been running on low octane fuel, switching to higher octane gas will help reduce spark knock by increasing resistance to pre-ignition.

You should also check for any vacuum leaks that could be causing problems with air/fuel mixture in your combustion chamber and address them accordingly. Finally, if all else fails, then it may be necessary to replace worn parts such as spark plugs or ignition coils to restore optimal performance levels in your vehicle’s engine.

Conclusion:

Engine knocking can cause significant damage if left unchecked – both financially and mechanically – so you must take action as soon as possible if you hear any strange noises coming from your vehicle’s engine compartment.

By diagnosing the issue quickly and taking corrective action right away, you can save yourself time, money and stress down the line thanks to our helpful guide on what exactly engine knocking is and how you can go about fixing it!