How Long Can You Drive with Engine Bearing Noise?
3 Answers
When symptoms of engine bearing noise appear, it indicates abnormalities in the crankshaft or connecting rod bearings. At this point, it is best to immediately stop the engine, call for assistance, and proceed to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. Below is relevant information about engine bearing noise: 1. Definition: Engine bearing noise refers to the sintering phenomenon of the crankshaft and bearings caused by insufficient lubrication, overheating, or wear. 2. Consequences: Engine bearing noise can also lead to crankshaft seizure, forcibly causing the engine to stall. In severe cases, it may even damage the crankshaft bearing seat, resulting in the scrapping of the entire engine assembly.
I remember from my many years in the automotive repair industry that engine bearing noise is mostly caused by knocking sounds from connecting rod bearing wear or detonation. This type of fault is very serious, and continuing to drive poses enormous risks: oil pressure may drop, internal engine components may sustain further damage, or the engine may even seize up and become completely ruined. I've seen many cases where people stubbornly drove for dozens of kilometers only to stall on the highway, causing towing costs and repair expenses to skyrocket. The safest approach is to stop and shut off the engine immediately, avoid attempting to restart it, and contact a professional technician for on-site inspection or towing to a repair shop. When you hear abnormal noises during normal driving, it's best to develop the habit of stopping first to investigate—don't ignore the warning signs just to save trouble.
As an average car owner, when my engine had a knocking sound last time, I thought it was a minor issue. However, after driving about 40 kilometers, the engine completely stalled. I had to call a tow truck on the road, and the repair cost over 3,000 yuan, not to mention it delayed my work for an entire day. My experience tells you: once you hear such knocking sounds, you absolutely must not continue driving—every extra kilometer doubles the risk. Pull over immediately, and call your dealership or a trusted repair shop for advice. They will usually recommend an on-site inspection or arrange a tow truck. Regular oil changes in daily maintenance can significantly reduce such failures.
