5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore
Stop the Sound. Prevent the Breakdown. Trust Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas.
Your engine doesn’t suddenly fail without warning — but it does start whispering when something’s wrong.
At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve helped Clackamas drivers protect their vehicles and their wallets by catching issues early — especially when it starts with a noise under the hood. Whether it’s a knock, squeal, or ticking sound, these engine noises are your car’s way of saying, “Pay attention now, or pay more later.”
Here are five engine noises you should never ignore, what they typically mean, and how our expert technicians help you fix them fast — before they become expensive.
1. Knocking or Pinging When You Accelerate
What it sounds like: A deep knock or metallic ping that gets louder under acceleration.
What it likely means:Pre-ignition or engine detonation — where fuel is igniting too early, putting stress on pistons and rods.
This happens when combustion timing is off or when fuel isn’t burning cleanly. Over time, this pressure creates real internal engine damage — worn bearings, cracked pistons, or worse.
Common causes:
What to do:
Bring your car to Tim’s Automotive. Our certified technicians will run a combustion and ignition system diagnostic to catch this early. With the right adjustments or cleanup, we can prevent a minor sound from becoming a major failure.
2. Grinding When Starting the Car
What it sounds like: A metal-on-metal grinding when turning the key or pressing start.
What it likely means: The starter motor isn’t engaging properly with the flywheel — or the flywheel has worn or broken teeth.
If ignored, you’re not just dealing with a loud startup. You’re wearing down components that will eventually prevent your car from starting altogether.
What to do:
We’ll inspect the starter alignment, test the motor draw, and examine the flywheel. In most cases, catching this early means a quick repair — not a full-day engine pull.
3. High-Pitched Squealing From the Front of the Engine
What it sounds like: A loud squeal when starting the car or using A/C, power steering, or defrosters.
What it likely means: A slipping or glazed serpentine belt or a faulty tensioner.
This belt powers essential systems — including your alternator, power steering, water pump, and A/C. If it fails, those systems fail too. And in the wrong moment (especially in Oregon’s wet winters), that’s a big risk.
What to do:
Tim’s Automotive will inspect your entire accessory drive system — belt, pulleys, tensioner, and alignment. This is one of the most affordable fixes you can do — and one of the most costly if ignored.
4. Ticking or Clicking That Matches Engine RPM
What it sounds like: A fast, repetitive tick that speeds up as the engine revs.
What it likely means:Valve train noise, low oil pressure, or timing chain wear.
Your engine’s top-end needs proper lubrication to keep valves, lifters, and cams running smoothly. Ticking often means oil isn’t reaching those components — or they’re starting to wear down.
What to do:
We’ll run a pressure test and listen for the source. Whether it’s a lifter issue, worn chain tensioner, or poor oil flow, we’ll pinpoint the problem and fix it before it turns into engine damage.
5. Hissing or Whistling Noises
What it sounds like: A soft hiss or high-pitched whistle at idle or right after shutdown.
What it likely means: A vacuum leak, coolant leak, or small exhaust leak.
These types of leaks can cause rough idling, overheating, poor fuel economy, and even emissions issues. Don’t write this off as a “normal” sound — it’s the start of a bigger problem.
What to do:
We use professional smoke testing and pressure diagnostics to locate even the smallest leak. Whether it's a cracked vacuum hose or a pinhole in your exhaust, we’ll fix it at the source — not just the symptom.
Why Clackamas Drivers Choose Tim’s Automotive
Because you don’t just want the noise to stop — you want the real problem solved.
At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we diagnose before we recommend, and we fix what matters most — not what pads a parts list. We take pride in keeping Clackamas families on the road safely, affordably, and confidently.
Whether it’s a strange noise, a dashboard light, or just a gut feeling, we’re here to listen — and to help.
Hear Something Off? Let’s Take a Look.
📍 Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales
15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
📞 (503) 656-0600
🌐tims-automotive.com
Don’t wait until a sound becomes a stall.
Schedule your diagnostic with Tim’s — and stay ahead of the problem.