Is It Normal for a New Car's Engine to Be Noisy?
2 Answers
It is not normal for a new car's engine to be noisy. Here are some related explanations about a noisy engine in a new car: 1. Oil strainer issue: Poor sealing of the rubber ring prevents the oil pump from properly drawing oil and instead sucks in a large amount of air, leading to insufficient lubrication in the engine system, especially in the hydraulic valve lifters, resulting in metallic knocking sounds; a clogged oil strainer prevents proper oil intake into the engine lubrication system, causing poor lubrication. 2. Damaged hydraulic valve lifters: Long-term abnormal operation of the related system leads to insufficient lubrication of components, causing damage to the hydraulic valve lifters. The oil pump does not function properly and fails to draw in oil.
When I first bought my new car, I also thought the engine noise was a bit loud, which was quite concerning. But based on experience, this is often normal for new cars. The main reason is that new cars have a break-in period, where internal components like pistons and cylinder walls are still adapting to each other, resulting in more friction noise, especially during cold starts or acceleration. After driving about a thousand kilometers, the noise usually decreases. There are also differences between car models—if you bought a turbocharged or diesel engine, they are naturally louder than gasoline engines. However, if the noise remains very loud and is accompanied by vibrations or strange knocking sounds, it could be an assembly issue or insufficient oil pressure. In such cases, take it to the dealership for inspection immediately to avoid missing the warranty period. You can first check the oil level yourself—too high or too low can increase noise. Maintaining good driving habits, like avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, can help reduce it.