Is it normal for a car to keep making a ticking sound after turning off the engine?
2 Answers
It is normal for a car to keep making a ticking sound after turning off the engine. This could be the sound from the turbo's cooling system, the turbo itself expanding and contracting due to heat, or the exhaust pipe's front section expanding and contracting due to heat. Many turbocharged cars have their cooling systems continue to operate for a while after the engine is turned off to cool the turbo separately. The main function of a turbocharger is to increase the engine's air intake, thereby enhancing the engine's power and torque, making the car more powerful. When a turbocharger is installed on an engine, its maximum power can increase by 40% or more compared to when it is not equipped with a turbocharger.
I've worked on many cars myself, and it's quite common to hear a ticking sound after turning off the engine—it's usually normal. For example, small noises can occur due to the exhaust pipe expanding and contracting with heat, or as metal parts cool down and contract after the car is turned off, producing a slight tapping sound. Sometimes, the fan may continue running for a while to cool things down, which is also part of the normal cooling design to prevent heat buildup. However, if the thumping sound is loud or doesn’t stop, it could indicate an issue, such as loose parts in the engine bay, a faulty turbo or catalytic converter, or a misaligned exhaust pipe bracket that needs adjustment. My advice is to listen for a few minutes—if the sound stops within a minute or two, there’s no need to worry. But if it persists or is accompanied by strange smells or high temperatures, head to a repair shop immediately to avoid turning a minor issue into a major repair. In short, stay on top of maintenance, but don’t stress too much—most cars behave this way.
