Why does the car make a clunking sound when driving at low speed?
3 Answers
Here are the reasons why the car makes a clunking sound when driving at low speed: 1. Foreign objects: It can be basically confirmed that there are relatively large foreign objects stuck in the tire tread. Small stones trapped in the tire tread will produce a rhythmic sound when in contact with the ground. The frequency increases with the speed, but the sound remains unchanged. 2. Lack of lubrication oil in the car: When the engine lacks oil or the oil's effectiveness decreases, if it is not replenished in time, it will lead to insufficient tension, timing chain jumping, increased fuel consumption, bearing wear, piston deformation causing poor sealing, and power loss. Engine damage and other issues may occur. It is often said that engine oil, as the lifeblood of the engine, plays a crucial role. In addition to regular maintenance and replacement, you can also check it frequently, especially before traveling. If the oil level is too low, it should be replaced in time to avoid significant losses.
I've been driving for over ten years, and this kind of clunking noise always makes me uneasy, especially when it's particularly noticeable while slowly cruising around the neighborhood. Last time my car had the same issue, it took a long time to diagnose, and it turned out to be the aging and loosening of the front suspension shock absorbers, causing the wheels to bounce and make noise. Worn drive shafts are also a common culprit—that rod connecting the engine to the wheels—if the boot is cracked or has gaps, it will produce a clunking sound at low speeds. Sometimes, rusted and stuck brake calipers can also create similar noises when releasing. I suggest not delaying; such sounds might worsen the car's condition over time. Take it to a proper repair shop and have them inspect the suspension components and bearings under the chassis using a lift. If you want to try at home, you can push the car in neutral to listen for the noise source, but a professional diagnosis is safer. Uneven tire tread or imbalance after a patch can also cause strange noises at low speeds, so checking tire pressure regularly can help avoid minor issues.
As a new driver, I was always terrified of hearing strange noises from my car when I first bought it. The low-speed clunking sounds made me constantly worry about hitting something. After some research, I found out that these noises are mostly caused by loose bearings or suspension components in the wheel area, resulting from metal rubbing against metal. Worn wheel bearings are the most common culprit, and the sound is more noticeable at low speeds because the lower vibration frequency makes it easier to detect. If you want to check it yourself, you can park in an open area, gently shake the wheel, and if there's any wobbling, the bearing might be damaged. Another common issue is the rust shield on the brake discs getting corroded or deformed, which can also cause rattling noises, especially on humid days. Don’t ignore these seemingly minor issues—get to a repair shop as soon as possible for a proper inspection with professional equipment. Last time I delayed fixing it, the noise got worse and I almost lost control. Also, a quick tip: regularly washing the undercarriage of your car can reduce rust and lower the chances of such noises.
