What Causes Loud Engine Noise in Cars During Winter?
2 Answers
The reasons for loud engine noise in cars during winter are: 1. After prolonged parking, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan at the bottom of the engine; 2. Before the engine reaches its operating temperature (approximately between 90 to 110 degrees Celsius), the fuel supply system cannot effectively vaporize gasoline completely due to low temperature; 3. In cold conditions, gear oil flows to the lower part of the transmission; 4. Aging or loosening of engine mounts. Engine mounts are rubber blocks placed between the engine and the frame, designed to reduce vibration and provide cushioning during engine operation, as well as to secure the engine. Once these mounts age or loosen, the engine will vibrate, and the faster the speed, the louder the vibration noise will be.
Every time I start my car in winter, the engine noise is much louder than usual, especially on cold mornings. The main reasons may include the engine oil thickening in low temperatures, which makes it flow poorly and unable to fully lubricate the internal engine parts, naturally increasing friction noise. Additionally, metal components contract in the cold, causing gaps to widen, such as the collision between pistons and cylinder walls, resulting in louder sounds. The thermal expansion and contraction of the exhaust pipe can also produce creaking noises. The battery performs poorly in winter, making the engine work harder and sound louder during startup. Other factors, like belts becoming tighter or looser in the cold, can also increase noise. I usually warm up the car for about a minute before driving to thin the oil and improve flow, which reduces noise. Switching to a low-viscosity winter-specific engine oil also helps by ensuring smoother lubrication. If the noise remains loud, it could indicate an aging battery or lubrication issues, and it's best to get it checked to avoid engine damage. In short, simple preheating and proper maintenance can solve most winter noise problems.
