What does engine knocking mean?
2 Answers
Engine knocking is a fault phenomenon caused by premature ignition. In diesel vehicles, fuel is injected into the cylinder before the piston reaches the top dead center, causing combustion while the piston continues to move upward, resulting in a knocking sound. For gasoline vehicles, a high-voltage spark is generated before the piston reaches the top dead center, igniting the air-fuel mixture and producing the same knocking sound. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, invented in the UK. It can refer to either the power generation device or the entire machine including the power unit.
Engine knocking, simply put, is when you hear a ticking or pinging sound from the engine while driving, like a small hammer tapping the cylinder block. That's usually a phenomenon of detonation caused by abnormal premature ignition of gasoline combustion. The most common reasons are using low-octane gasoline, spark plugs firing too early, or excessive engine carbon deposits leading to uncontrolled compression ratios. If left unrepaired for a long time, it can severely damage piston rings, cylinder liners, or valves, not only increasing fuel consumption but also potentially leading to major repairs and higher costs. I recommend switching to higher-grade gasoline and adding a bottle of fuel additive to clean carbon deposits. If the sound persists, you should take it to the workshop to check the ignition system settings. Don't forget regular maintenance—early intervention ensures safety.