What Causes Loud Engine Roaring During Acceleration?
3 Answers
Loud engine roaring during acceleration can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Exhaust pipe leakage: When there is a leak in the intake or exhaust pipe, the exhaust flow rate increases during acceleration. 2. Dirty or clogged throttle valve: During acceleration, the engine load increases, requiring the throttle valve to open wider and more fuel to be injected. If the throttle valve fails to open optimally due to dirt or clogging, it results in poor air-fuel mixture ratio in the engine. 3. Engine misfire: An engine misfire refers to one or more cylinders not functioning properly, leading to insufficient vehicle power and severe exhaust pipe vibrations.
As a veteran taxi driver, loud engine roaring during acceleration is all too common. It's usually because the engine is struggling—either the air filter is clogged restricting airflow, or the spark plugs are old causing incomplete combustion. Last month while on the job, I encountered this exact issue—the engine was howling but lacked power. After replacing the spark plugs, it immediately quieted down. I recommend paying close attention to maintenance schedules: change the oil when it's due, and try to use higher-grade gasoline since low-quality fuel most easily causes engine roar. If there's additional rattling noise, it's likely the engine mounts have worn out. If these aren't replaced, the whole car will start vibrating.
Our friends who are into car modifications know this best—loud engine noise during acceleration isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's not normal either. First, check if there's any exhaust leak, especially at the pipe connections. My buddy's Civic had a leak there and sounded like a race car. If this issue occurs without any modifications, it's likely due to a clogged intake system—either the throttle body is as dirty as a rag or the air filter hasn't been changed in six months. Another possibility is faulty ignition coils, causing misfires and incomplete combustion. Remember, when the engine sounds abnormal, check the tachometer immediately. If the RPM spikes but acceleration feels weak, it's almost certainly a drivetrain issue.
