Why is my car making a ticking noise?

11 Views

You know your car best. But what do you do when it suddenly starts making unusual noises? Whether it's a clicking, a tapping, or a ticking when you start you should never ignore unusual car noises. These sounds could indicate underlying problems that, if left unchecked, could lead to more serious problems down the road. Here we’ll take a look at the causes of those annoying noises and what to do about them.

The engine is making a ticking noise

The engine is making a ticking noise

If you only hear the click shortly after starting, the hydraulic valve lifters probably have too little oil pressure. If the noise stops after a few seconds, you don't need to do anything. However, if the metallic ticking continues, a tappet may be broken or damaged.

This ticking noise is common in diesel engines and is often caused by missed oil changes or the wrong grade of car engine oil and topping up the oil or a complete oil and filter change is in order. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to install some or all of the new car engine tappets.

Could it be the spark plugs or the engine rod?

Over time, continual exposure to high temperatures and combustion gases can lead to spark plugs wearing out. If the spark plugs have been improperly installed this can also lead to misfiring and subsequent ticking noises.

When installing the new car spark plugs, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for torque specifications and gap settings. This will help ensure proper sealing and correct operation of the ignition system and you’ll avoid those aggravating noises.

The engine rod plays a critical role in the engine's operation, but it's not directly related to the issue of ticking caused by spark plug problems. While the car engine rod itself doesn't usually cause these noises, problems with the rod bearings or excessive play in the rod can cause knocking or tapping noises in the engine. If the rod bearings are worn or damaged, they can create excessive play between the rod and the crankshaft, resulting in clicking or knocking noises when the engine is running.

TOP products on the subject:

Top products at reduced prices

  • Details
    NGK Spark plug 1496
    NGK 1496 Spark plug Article № : 1496 Spark plug 1496
    Car parts maker: NGK
    (14)

    In stock

    £ 18,68
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    DENSO Spark plug FK16BR-AL8
    DENSO FK16BR-AL8 Spark plug Article № : FK16BR-AL8 Spark plug FK16BR-AL8
    Car parts maker: DENSO

    In stock

    £ 22,88
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    NGK Spark plug 97576
    NGK 97576 Spark plug Article № : 97576 Spark plug 97576
    Car parts maker: NGK
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 12,18
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    DENSO Spark plug K16HPR-U11
    DENSO K16HPR-U11 Spark plug Article № : K16HPR-U11 Spark plug K16HPR-U11
    Car parts maker: DENSO

    In stock

    £ 4,58
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    CHAMPION Spark plug OE261
    CHAMPION OE261 Spark plug Article № : OE261 Spark plug OE261
    Car parts maker: CHAMPION
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 9,88
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BERU Spark plug Z332
    BERU Z332 Spark plug Article № : Z332 Spark plug Z332
    Car parts maker: BERU

    In stock

    £ 10,08
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    NGK Spark plug 90911
    NGK 90911 Spark plug Article № : 90911 Spark plug 90911
    Car parts maker: NGK

    In stock

    £ 12,48
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 241 140 537
    BOSCH 0 241 140 537 Spark plug Article № : 0 241 140 537 Spark plug 0 241 140 537
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (3)

    In stock

    £ 12,58
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    NGK Spark plug 97098
    NGK 97098 Spark plug Article № : 97098 Spark plug 97098
    Car parts maker: NGK
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 13,78
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 242 240 665
    BOSCH 0 242 240 665 Spark plug Article № : 0 242 240 665 Spark plug 0 242 240 665
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (22)

    In stock

    £ 10,98
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    NGK Spark plug 91898
    NGK 91898 Spark plug Article № : 91898 Spark plug 91898
    Car parts maker: NGK
    (2)

    In stock

    £ 16,28
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 242 236 571
    BOSCH 0 242 236 571 Spark plug Article № : 0 242 236 571 Spark plug 0 242 236 571
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (16)

    In stock

    £ 9,08
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BERU Spark plug Z90
    BERU Z90 Spark plug Article № : Z90 Spark plug Z90
    Car parts maker: BERU

    In stock

    £ 6,18
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 241 245 677
    BOSCH 0 241 245 677 Spark plug Article № : 0 241 245 677 Spark plug 0 241 245 677
    Car parts maker: BOSCH

    In stock

    £ 15,18
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    NGK Spark plug 95248
    NGK 95248 Spark plug Article № : 95248 Spark plug 95248
    Car parts maker: NGK
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 19,68
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    DENSO Spark plug VXUH20I
    DENSO VXUH20I Spark plug Article № : VXUH20I Spark plug VXUH20I
    Car parts maker: DENSO
    (2)

    In stock

    £ 16,48
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 242 236 564
    BOSCH 0 242 236 564 Spark plug Article № : 0 242 236 564 Spark plug 0 242 236 564
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (3)

    In stock

    £ 8,88
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 242 129 510
    BOSCH 0 242 129 510 Spark plug Article № : 0 242 129 510 Spark plug 0 242 129 510
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (7)

    In stock

    £ 6,61
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    DENSO Spark plug K16TT
    DENSO K16TT Spark plug Article № : K16TT Spark plug K16TT
    Car parts maker: DENSO
    (7)

    In stock

    £ 3,88
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT
  • Details
    BOSCH Spark plug 0 242 140 565
    BOSCH 0 242 140 565 Spark plug Article № : 0 242 140 565 Spark plug 0 242 140 565
    Car parts maker: BOSCH
    (1)

    In stock

    £ 14,98
    (Price per item)
    incl. 20% VAT