What Causes the Car to Make Abnormal Noises at Low Speed but Not at High Speed?
3 Answers
If the vehicle makes a humming noise at low speed but not at high speed, it may be caused by vehicle resonance. The specific reasons for engine resonance are explained as follows: 1. High-temperature fatigue aging of the rubber in the engine mounts: If the car has been used for a long time, the high-temperature fatigue aging of the rubber in the engine mounts can easily cause resonance, and in severe cases, there may even be bumping and friction noises. 2. Engine misfire: Engine misfire can also cause resonance in the engine. Deformation or improper installation of the engine guard plate can lead to engine resonance, which is relatively common and easy to resolve. 3. Idle speed control system: Another situation is car resonance caused by issues with the idle speed control system. To solve this problem, it is necessary to test drive the car step by step.
I've been troubled by a strange noise that occurs at low speeds but disappears at high speeds. It's particularly noticeable during daily city traffic jams, sounding like a creaking or grinding noise. Common causes include aging suspension bushings leading to loose connection points, which cause noise when parts vibrate more at low speeds; stuck or loose brake pads, which can make noise when braking during stops; or wear in the steering system's linkage, producing noise during slow turns. I checked the tires and rims myself and found no issues, so I took it to a professional shop for inspection. It turned out to be a suspension problem, which was fixed. Regular chassis maintenance is essential to address issues early and avoid bigger problems—safety comes first. Don't ignore low-speed noises; if they disappear at high speeds, it might indicate a hidden risk. Fixing it early saves both hassle and money.
As someone who frequently deals with vehicle malfunctions, I find this issue of low-speed noise disappearing at high speeds quite common. The cause is often resonance problems of components at specific speeds, such as wear on suspension ball joints or bushings, where vibrations at low speeds produce noticeable noise; or loosened steering knuckles or tie rods, which cause friction sounds during slow driving. In the brake system, if the caliper guide pins are stuck, there will be squeaking noises when braking at low speeds. At high speeds, the increased vibration frequency masks these sounds. I recommend that car owners first check simpler parts, such as whether there are foreign objects stuck in the tires, then inspect the suspension and steering systems, using professional tools to test the firmness of connection points. If that doesn't resolve the issue, visit a 4S shop for a chassis diagnosis to prevent minor problems from turning into major repairs. Timely maintenance is crucial for extending the vehicle's lifespan.
