Why Does a Car's Engine Sound Louder in Winter?
2 Answers
In winter, the engine often operates with a larger throttle opening to reach its optimal working temperature and power various equipment, which results in increased engine noise. Once the equipment is running normally and the engine reaches its standard temperature, the throttle opening reduces, leading to a decrease in noise. Models equipped with turbocharged engines tend to produce even louder noises during cold starts. Below is an introduction to engine operation: 1. Starting: After a car has been parked for an extended period, the engine oil flows back to the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. Therefore, when starting the engine after prolonged disuse (such as overnight), the upper part of the engine is initially without oil and lacks lubrication. It takes approximately 30 seconds after starting for the oil pump to circulate oil to critical lubrication points such as the pistons, connecting rods, and crankshaft. However, even if you start driving immediately after ignition, as long as you avoid aggressive acceleration and maintain low-speed operation, the effect is similar to idling. 2. Precautions: It is advisable to allow the vehicle to warm up sufficiently for 2-5 minutes while stationary, avoiding aggressive driving during this period to prevent engine damage. Once the coolant temperature rises to the normal range, both the engine speed and noise will naturally return to normal levels.
After driving for so many years, I always notice the engine noise gets particularly loud in winter, with intense buzzing sounds. The main reason is that at lower temperatures, the engine oil becomes much thicker, almost like syrup, which reduces its lubricating effectiveness. This increases the resistance of piston movement during engine startup, naturally leading to louder friction noises. Additionally, cold air causes metal components to contract, reducing gaps and amplifying operational sounds. Moreover, exhaust pipes are more prone to vibrations in low temperatures, generating extra noise. During warm-up, the idle speed is also higher, making the engine work harder and producing more noise. It's advisable to warm up the car for a minute or two before driving in winter to allow the oil to circulate, reducing noise and wear. Don’t forget to check if the oil has degraded and replace it promptly—this is crucial for protecting the engine. Don’t risk major damage over minor neglect.
