Does Engine Valve Noise Need Repair?
4 Answers
Whether engine valve noise needs repair depends on the situation. Situations that do not require repair: 1. If the noise is simply from the belt pulley bearing inside the engine, tightening the belt, applying some lubricant, or adjusting the belt pulley shaft can resolve the issue. 2. If the engine oil viscosity is too high, simply replacing it with lower viscosity engine oil will suffice. If the engine oil level is insufficient, adding a bit more engine oil can solve the problem. Here are situations that require repair: If the noise persists after checking the above two conditions, it may be due to excessive valve clearance. This can directly affect the timing and precision of valve opening and closing, potentially leading to adverse effects on the normal operation of the engine. In such cases, the car should be taken to a repair shop for servicing.
As an experienced driver, I believe that engine valve noise definitely needs to be repaired. Valve noise usually indicates excessive valve clearance or wear. If left unattended, the noise will only get worse and may eventually lead to serious internal engine damage, such as valve and piston collision, which would be much more expensive to repair. I remember one time when my car had noticeable noise, I immediately took it to the repair shop. After inspection, it turned out to be just a minor issue with clearance adjustment, costing very little. But if left to develop, it might require a major engine overhaul, with costs multiplying several times. Additionally, valve noise can affect engine efficiency and fuel consumption, and long-term neglect can lead to a decline in overall vehicle performance. For safety reasons, I recommend not waiting once you hear any noise and having a professional mechanic check it out. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues, keeping the vehicle in good health and avoiding future troubles.
From a cost-saving perspective, I firmly believe that engine valve noise must be repaired. Initially, the sound may seem minor and tolerable, but prolonged neglect leads to more severe consequences. As someone who budgets carefully, I know that fixing valve issues is relatively inexpensive—it might just require adjusting the clearance or replacing a component, costing only a few hundred yuan. However, if you continue driving, the noise will worsen, engine wear will increase, and eventually, a major overhaul could cost thousands or even tens of thousands of yuan—that’s when it becomes a real waste of money. Moreover, valve noise may indirectly trigger other issues, such as abnormal oil consumption or power loss, increasing daily maintenance costs. Experience tells me that addressing small problems early is always more cost-effective than delaying repairs. So, I advise car owners not to hesitate—identify the root cause and invest a small amount now for long-term peace of mind. Developing regular maintenance habits can prevent such noise from escalating.
I was really startled when I heard the engine valve noise, thinking my car was about to break down. Later, I learned that this is common in older cars, where increased valve clearance causes knocking sounds. I took it to a mechanic for inspection, and he said in most cases, a simple adjustment or lubrication would suffice, not necessarily requiring major repairs. However, if the sound is harsh or continuously intensifies, immediate repair is needed to avoid causing chain problems. I've learned to listen for changes in the engine sound and take action if anything seems off. Generally, it doesn't require urgent attention, but neglecting it long-term can affect safety. Regular maintenance checks can prevent such issues.
