Why Does the Car Engine Sound Louder in Winter?
2 Answers
Winter car engine sound louder reasons are as follows: Decreased Lubrication Ability of Engine Oil: Due to the low temperatures in winter, the viscosity of the engine oil increases, leading to poor lubrication of various mechanical components in the engine, resulting in higher noise levels. However, as the vehicle operates and the oil temperature rises, the engine noise gradually decreases to normal levels. The solution is to change the engine oil on time and use high-quality oil suitable for winter. Engine Temperature Increase: Because the engine needs to reach its optimal operating temperature and power various devices, the throttle opening is often larger, which increases engine noise. Once the devices operate normally and the engine reaches the proper temperature, the throttle opening decreases, and the noise reduces accordingly.
I remember last winter when I was driving, the engine noise was much louder than in summer. At first, I thought the car was broken, but later I asked a friend and learned this is a common issue. The main reason is that the oil thickens in cold weather. In winter, the lubricating oil in the car becomes as thick as honey, with poor fluidity, resulting in reduced lubrication effectiveness compared to summer. This increases internal friction in the engine, naturally making the noise louder. Additionally, metal parts contract in low temperatures—for example, the gap between pistons and cylinders widens, causing creaking sounds when rotating. The belts also harden in cold weather, producing noticeable squeaks when driving the fan or air conditioning. The exhaust system makes a buzzing sound during cold starts due to rapid metal expansion. It's recommended to warm up the car for a few minutes in cold weather before driving off. Once the oil temperature rises, the noise will decrease, and it also helps protect the engine and extend its lifespan. Over 160 words.
