What Causes the Engine to Sound Louder When Driving in Winter?
2 Answers
When driving in winter, the engine sounds louder because the engine needs to reach its optimal operating temperature and power various equipment, which requires a larger throttle opening, resulting in increased engine noise. Once the equipment operates normally and the engine reaches its standard temperature, the throttle opening decreases, and the noise reduces accordingly. Vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines tend to produce even louder noises during cold starts. To minimize engine noise, a dual-spring fuel injection valve can be employed to achieve pre-injection. This method splits the fuel intended for a single cycle into two injections: a small portion is injected first, initiating a pre-reaction before the main injection. This reduces the amount of combustible mixture accumulated during the ignition delay period, effectively lowering combustion noise in direct-injection diesel engines.
I've been driving for over a decade, and louder engine noise in winter is quite common. The main reason is that cold weather makes engine oil much thicker, significantly reducing its lubrication effectiveness, which increases friction between engine components and thus amplifies the sound. Another factor is that during cold starts, metal parts in the engine contract, creating larger gaps during operation which makes the noise more noticeable. Additionally, the cold, denser winter air can affect air intake, producing extra noise – all these are normal physical phenomena. It's advisable to use winter-specific engine oil, such as those with lower viscosity at low temperatures, to reduce friction noise. Also, if the noise is particularly sharp or continuous during startup, it's necessary to check whether the belts have hardened or if there's an issue with the exhaust system. Regular maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, ensuring driving safety.
