Can You Drive with Engine Knocking?
2 Answers
Engine knocking is not advisable to drive with. The causes of engine knocking include: 1. Carbon deposits: Incomplete combustion of fuel in the engine can lead to carbon buildup; 2. Overheating: Prolonged intense driving can cause the engine temperature to rise excessively. If the temperature reaches its upper limit, it can result in abnormal combustion of gases inside the engine, leading to knocking; 3. Poor fuel quality: Using low-quality fuel significantly reduces its anti-knock properties, making the engine more prone to knocking; 4. Ignition timing issues: If the car's ignition system malfunctions, causing ignition to occur before the piston reaches the correct position, it can lead to abnormal engine vibrations and, in severe cases, engine knocking.
Never push through engine knocking—those metallic clanking sounds are no joke. Knocking means the gasoline is self-igniting prematurely in the cylinders, and the shockwaves can pit the pistons and cylinder walls, potentially destroying the engine in just a few kilometers. Once, I encountered knocking on a business trip and immediately pulled over to call a tow truck. The mechanic said another half hour of driving would’ve bent the connecting rods. My advice: Stop and shut off the engine immediately. Check if you’re using low-octane fuel or if carbon buildup is too severe. If you absolutely must move the car, keep it at idle and crawl slowly—but don’t go over a kilometer, or the repair bill could cost half a new car.
