What Causes the Clicking Sound When Starting the Car at Low Speed?
3 Answers
The reasons for the clicking sound when starting the car at low speed are: 1. Due to the transmission oil operating in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, a lot of sludge and impurities are produced, causing the transmission oil to thicken and reducing its fluidity. This results in direct friction between components without a protective layer, exacerbating mechanical wear and causing abnormal noise; 2. The transmission oil needs to be replaced. The correct method for starting the car is: 1. Insert the key and keep it in the LOCK position for about 2 seconds; 2. Turn it to the ON position and wait for about 5 seconds for the car's computer self-check; 3. Turn the key to the START position to ignite, and release the key after starting; 4. Let the car warm up in place for 30 seconds to about 1 minute; 5. Press the brake, shift to D gear, then release the handbrake and foot brake to start.
A few days ago, my car made a clicking noise during low-speed starts. After careful research, I found common causes include clutch slippage or transmission synchronizer wear. In manual cars, worn clutch discs can produce a harsh noise during engagement, while automatic cars may experience similar abnormal sounds due to torque converter issues. Loose chassis components like suspension control arm ball joints can also be triggered by starting vibrations, resulting in clicking noises. Environmental factors such as low temperatures can thicken lubricants, increasing friction. I tried identifying the sound source: noises from the engine bay point to the drivetrain, while sounds near the wheels may indicate loose suspension or brake calipers. Delaying repairs could escalate damage, such as burning out the transmission, increasing repair costs. Preventive measures include regular transmission fluid maintenance and clutch disc inspections, and warming up the car for a few minutes during cold starts can help. For safety, it's advisable to seek professional diagnosis early to avoid the risk of losing control while driving.
My car makes a clicking noise when starting at low speeds, like metal gears grinding, which is mostly a clutch or transmission issue. That time I was driving a manual car and noticed the noise accompanied by slight throttle vibration. After some inspection, I found the clutch disc was worn thin and needed replacement. Worn ball joints or control arms in the chassis can also cause similar noises, especially in older cars prone to loose parts. I suggest starting with simple checks yourself: listen if the abnormal noise comes from the engine bay, check for abnormal tire wear or loose bolts. If the noise persists, use some DIY tools to test component gaps. If that doesn't help, don't take risks—get it repaired as soon as possible for safety. I later learned that regular inspections of the chassis and drivetrain can prevent such issues.
