A rattling noise in your car may indicate several issues. However, most of these problems are expensive to fix. Here are a few possible causes. Low oil pressure, a broken heat shield, a sticky valve train, or a worn-out torque converter.
Low oil pressure
If you hear a rattling noise from your engine when the car is idling, it is very likely that it’s caused by low oil pressure. A low oil pressure can lead to engine problems because the oil doesn’t protect and lubricate engine parts. You can prevent this problem by performing a simple oil change regularly. However, if you don’t feel comfortable performing this maintenance on your own, you can call a mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue.
The oil pressure in a car’s engine is typically between 20 and 30 psi (140 and 200 kPa) when the engine is idling. When this pressure is too low, oil can begin to burn in the engine. This can be very dangerous for the engine as it will starve the components of oil.
There are a few causes of low oil pressure. The first one is that your car has low oil. The oil pressure gauge on your dashboard will light up yellow when the oil level is low.
Broken heat shield
If your car is making a rattling noise when idle, the problem could be the heat shield. Broken heat shields can cause a burning smell and could also damage the car’s sensitive parts, such as plastic. They can also cause smoke. Luckily, there are ways to repair a broken heat shield without having to spend a fortune. Here are some of them:
The heat shield is a metal plate that runs along the bottom of the exhaust system to deflect heat away from the engine and the floor. This protects the engine from excessive heat and also guides exhaust emissions out the tailpipe. But over time, the heat shield may become loose and start making the rattling noise. If this happens, the rattle will continue to increase in volume and frequency until the heat shield is no longer effective.
A broken heat shield is a simple and inexpensive repair that could prevent a rattling noise from happening again. While it is not the only component that can cause a rattling noise, it is one of the most common causes of noises from the exhaust system. It is also a common reason for rattling sounds when idling, and it could easily be fixed.
Sticky valve train
If you notice that your car makes a rattling noise while idling, it’s most likely because of a problem with your valve train. This is not an uncommon issue, and it can lead to expensive repairs. In order to diagnose the problem, you should have a mechanic check your car. Check the valves, lifters, and the valve train for any signs of dirt or wear.
The valves can be causing this noise by being overly loose or too tight. If they are too tight, the lifter may be rubbing and causing the noise. To repair this issue, run the engine for 20-30 minutes. Once the oil circulates again, the noise should disappear.
Another cause of this noise is the valve train being stuck. This causes a loud rattling noise, which sounds like glass bottles clanging together. A clogged or dirty valve train can also lead to carbon rap, which is a problem caused by a mixture of fuel and air that burns too rapidly.
Broken or worn out torque converter
When your car starts making a rattling noise when idled, it may be a sign that your torque converter is not working properly. It can be caused by several factors, including an old or broken torque converter. It is also possible that the torque converter is made of the wrong type.
A worn or broken torque converter can be a sign of larger problems inside the transmission. If the transmission fluid begins to leak, you may have a broken or damaged torque converter. A leaking converter will not transfer power from the engine to the transmission, causing your car to overheat and slip gears.
Another sign of a faulty torque converter is a dirty transmission fluid. Dirty transmission fluid can cause the torque converter to shudder. Don’t drive with a faulty torque converter; this will exacerbate the problems and could be dangerous.
