What Causes the Abnormal Noise When a Car Starts?

[OAlejandro]

Abnormal noise occurs when a car starts but disappears as the speed increases. The possible causes include resonance noise and powertrain malfunction. Resonance Noise: Many parts of a car have the potential to resonate. When the car starts, the engine speed rises, resulting in higher vibrations. At this time, interior trim panels, seats, chassis, and other components may vibrate together. However, as the speed gradually increases, the engine speed stabilizes, and the vibrations decrease, causing the resonance between parts to stop, and the abnormal noise naturally disappears. In such cases, inspect each part one by one and then address the issue accordingly. Powertrain Malfunction: To quickly reach the operating temperature, the car automatically increases the idle speed. This is because most of the engine oil settles in the oil pan, and the oil's poor fluidity at low temperatures leads to inadequate engine lubrication, making it easier for abnormal noises to occur between parts. Once the engine warms up and lubrication returns to normal, this issue will resolve itself.

[DelDaniel]

Over my many years of driving, I've encountered numerous cases of abnormal noises during startup, with clutch issues being the most common. When the clutch disc is worn or slipping, it produces a rattling sound during startup, which is quite annoying. You can first try lightly pressing the accelerator to check—if the noise changes with RPM, it's likely the culprit. Don't ignore this sound, as prolonged neglect may lead to clutch failure, affecting gear shifting and safe driving. It's best to regularly replace clutch fluid to prevent this issue. For safety, visit a repair shop as soon as possible and let a mechanic inspect it—don't delay until more expensive parts need fixing. Additionally, loose chassis screws can also cause noises; DIY-savvy owners can try tightening them.

[MacStephanie]

Last time my car made a clicking noise when starting, and after some troubleshooting, I found it was due to insufficient transmission fluid. Abnormal gear friction can produce that kind of noise, which is really annoying. Over time, deteriorated transmission fluid can accelerate component wear, and in severe cases, you might even need to replace the entire transmission—costing a pretty penny. I recommend first checking if the fluid level meets the standard. If it's too low or dirty, top it up or replace the fluid promptly. If you hear abnormal noises when starting the car, don't ignore it—it could indicate a leak or internal damage. From personal experience, keeping up with vehicle maintenance records and checking the transmission system during each oil change can save a lot of hassle. From a safety perspective, abnormal noises can distract you and affect driving stability.

[ORiley]

I don't think starting noise is necessarily a big issue. Sometimes it's just aging suspension components like ball joints or bushings making sounds. When rubber parts wear out and become loose, they'll produce clicking noises, especially noticeable during low-speed starts. You can squat down to check for looseness in the chassis, but professional repair is recommended to avoid fixing the wrong parts. Regularly cleaning accumulated dirt from the chassis can extend the lifespan of these components. If left unaddressed, minor noises might develop into major failures. When you hear abnormal sounds while driving, stop safely to inspect - don't ignore it.