Car Making a Rattling Noise? What It Means & When It’s a Problem
Have you ever walked into a car repair shop, tried to describe the sound your car was making, and could tell your mechanic had no idea what was happening? This can be a frustrating experience, especially when you’re not sure how to describe the sound coming from your car. At City Auto Repair, we’re passionate about car education, so we’re here to help!
One common thing people describe is their car making a rattling noise. We define a rattling sound as a random and momentary or short-duration noise that may be similar to marbles or coins being shaken in a metal can.
When Does Your Car Make a Rattling Noise?
You’ll want to identify when your car starts making a rattling noise. Typically, this sound occurs in one of two situations: when you’re idling or when you’re accelerating. To better help your mechanic, try to also identify where the noise is coming from, such as the interior, underneath your car, or from the engine.
For example, if the rattling noise is consistent when you drive and it sounds like it’s coming from the interior of your car, you’re likely dealing with a loose screw or even one of your belongings getting trapped underneath your seat.
When Accelerating
Rattling while accelerating can have several causes. Usually, once you reach a consistent speed, the noise will stop. If this is the case, there are several factors to consider:
If your car is rattling while accelerating, it’s best to pull over when it’s safe to do so, especially if your check engine light is flashing. Continuing to drive can cause even more damage, so you’ll want to call your mechanic and get it into a shop as soon as possible.
When Idling
A rattling noise when you’re idling can also have several causes. A few issues that are known to cause rattling while idling include:
- Your catalytic converter needs to be replaced.
- Your valve lifters have collapsed.
- Your pistons are damaged and are causing the “piston slap.” This would require an engine replacement.
- Your AC compressor needs to be replaced or repaired.
If the sound is coming from your engine, you’ll want to turn off your car and call your mechanic. Similarly to rattling while accelerating, a rattling noise in your engine while at idle can cause damage if it’s not addressed quickly.
What to Tell Your Mechanic
When you do make it to your mechanic, you’ll want to describe the noise, where it’s coming from, and when it occurs. Try to take note of how long the rattling occurs and what makes it go away (e.g. getting to a consistent speed, putting the car in park, breaking, etc.). You may even want to take note of what speed the rattling begins or ends. The more details you can present to your mechanic will help them identify what to look for.
Diagnose All Your Car’s Noises at City Auto Repair
At City Auto Repair, we’re familiar with all the common noises your car might make. When you come in, we’ll be able to run diagnostic tests on your car to figure out the source of the rattling and create a plan to fix the issue. So if your car is making a rattling noise, no need to worry—our shop will help you get your car up and running in no time!