What Causes the Ticking Sound in a Cold Engine?
2 Answers
When starting a cold engine, if you hear a ticking sound, there are several possible causes: 1. If the engine starts normally and the ticking noise disappears after warming up, this is a normal phenomenon. It is usually due to the oil pump not fully building up oil pressure during cold starts, resulting in insufficient lubrication of components. 2. If the engine starts normally but the ticking noise persists even after warming up, this indicates a problem. There can be multiple causes for this, such as issues with the crankshaft main bearings, connecting rod bearings, crankshaft fractures, or piston rings. Typically, replacing the faulty component will resolve the issue. 3. If the engine makes a ticking noise during a cold start and fails to start, accompanied by the battery warning light and engine warning light illuminating on the dashboard, this is most likely a battery issue—either due to low charge or the battery reaching the end of its lifespan.
A few days ago, my car also made a ticking sound, especially noticeable during cold starts. It's usually due to insufficient oil pressure lubrication in the hydraulic lifters because the oil flows poorly when cold. The noise typically goes away once the engine warms up. Check if the oil level is between the marked lines—if it's too low, add some oil or switch to a synthetic oil with the right viscosity, such as 0W-20 for winter. Additionally, older cars may have excessive valve clearance that needs adjustment, or a loose timing chain can produce a rhythmic ticking sound. I’ve found that ignoring it for too long can wear out internal engine components—like my neighbor’s car, which ended up needing a costly overhaul costing thousands due to delayed repairs. I recommend warming up the engine for a minute or two before driving. If the sound persists, take it to a professional shop promptly to avoid minor issues turning into major problems. During routine maintenance, always ask the technician to check these points—safety first.
