What Causes Loud Engine Noise and Vibration?

[DiLeah]

The causes of loud engine noise and vibration are a dirty throttle body or excessive carbon deposits on the fuel injectors. When there is too much carbon buildup inside the engine, the gasoline sprayed by the cold-start injector is largely absorbed by the carbon deposits, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture during cold starts. This makes starting difficult and causes uneven air-fuel mixture ratios, leading to idle vibration after a cold start. Additionally, overfilling the engine oil creates unnecessary resistance on the crankshaft, which affects power output, increases fuel consumption, and allows more oil to enter the combustion chamber. This further increases carbon deposits in the combustion chamber, adding resistance to piston movement and reducing engine power. Moreover, excessive oil increases the stirring resistance of the crankshaft and connecting rods, which also amplifies noise.

[StJulian]

The car I drove before had a very noisy engine and kept shaking, which worried me a lot. After checking, common causes include too much carbon buildup on the spark plugs or old spark plugs that can't ignite properly, leading to shaking, and the noise may also increase as a result. Additionally, if the engine mounts or brackets are loose or damaged, the entire engine vibration can transfer to the car body, making it feel like it's shaking while driving. Another possibility is insufficient or degraded engine oil, which reduces lubrication and increases friction, causing more noise. I tried checking the spark plug connectors myself to see if they were dirty, but found it quite complicated, so I ended up taking it to a professional repair shop to fix it properly. If noise and shaking aren't addressed promptly, they could damage other components and shorten the car's lifespan, so I recommend getting it checked as soon as these issues appear, rather than waiting for them to become major problems. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and inspecting the mounts, can prevent a lot of trouble.

[LeEli]

When the engine noise increases accompanied by shaking, I usually suspect a few main causes: ignition system failures such as worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils, which disrupt combustion balance and cause shaking; damaged engine mounts that make the engine unstable and vibrate the body; or fuel system blockages like dirty fuel injectors leading to uneven fuel supply. Additionally, insufficient engine oil or a clogged air filter can also increase the engine's burden, noticeably raising noise levels. I make it a habit to regularly check the oil dipstick and filter myself, but repair shops using diagnostic tools are more efficient. Don’t delay too long, as it may lead to increased fuel consumption or safety risks. I recommend starting with simple steps, such as replacing spark plugs or conducting a fuel test, before seeking professional mechanics if needed. Remember, timely maintenance saves hassle and money, ensuring a smooth drive.

[LeCole]

When I notice loud engine noise and shaking, my biggest concern is driving safety. That time on the highway, the steering wheel was trembling violently, possibly due to imbalanced combustion or a misfiring cylinder. Common causes include faulty spark plugs or aging ignition wires, which affect engine balance; low oil pressure and inadequate lubrication can also generate noise. Additionally, damaged engine mounts or loose exhaust pipes may worsen the problem. I recommend pulling over immediately to check the oil level, and calling a tow truck if necessary—don't continue driving to avoid losing control. Regular maintenance, such as timely oil and spark plug replacements, can prevent such incidents. Safety comes first; ignoring it may lead to more severe accidents.