What's the matter with hearing a bang while driving?
2 Answers
This is exhaust backfire in the exhaust pipe, which is not dangerous. It may be caused by unclean fuel with impurities. After adding fuel additives and cleaning the fuel injectors and throttle body, this phenomenon will no longer occur. It is best to inspect the vehicle before traveling to take responsibility for your own life and try to avoid exhaust backfire situations for safe travel. Before driving, check the following areas: 1. Fuel gauge: Check the fuel level in the fuel tank by turning on the ignition switch to view the fuel gauge. You can also visually inspect or use a dipstick to measure the fuel level in the tank, but never use an open flame for illumination during inspection or measurement. 2. Oil level: Use the oil dipstick to check the oil level in the crankcase. If the level is more than 5 mm above or below the upper and lower marks on the dipstick, oil should be drained or added accordingly. 3. Coolant/antifreeze level: Check the coolant or antifreeze level, ensuring the coolant level is not less than 10 mm below the radiator vent hole. The total amount of antifreeze should be 95% of the cooling system's total capacity. If there is any leakage of coolant or antifreeze, promptly inspect and repair to eliminate the fault.
Over the years of driving, I've encountered quite a few sudden 'bang' sounds. The most common is definitely a tire blowout - the sound is like a balloon suddenly popping, accompanied by the car feeling slightly off-balance. You should immediately slow down and pull over to a safe spot, turn on the hazard lights, and check if the tire is punctured or has any foreign objects stuck in it. Another possibility is hitting something on the road, like a rock, branch, or small animal, which would cause vibration in the chassis. If the sound isn't loud but the car starts shaking, it might be a minor engine issue, such as slight detonation caused by excessive carbon buildup. In any case, safety first - don't push through it. It's best to find a repair shop to check the chassis and tires. I've seen a friend ignore a rear tire issue before, which led to complete tire failure and expensive repairs.