Why Does the Engine Sound Louder When Starting in Winter?

[SanElliott]

The reasons for the louder engine sound when starting in winter are as follows: 1. Reason one: In winter, the engine needs to reach its operating temperature and power various devices, so the throttle opening is slightly larger, resulting in louder engine noise. Once all devices are operating normally and the engine reaches the proper temperature, the throttle opening will decrease, and the noise will also reduce. Models with turbocharged engines tend to have even louder noises during cold starts. 2. Reason two: After entering winter, when the vehicle has been parked for 2-3 hours, the temperature of the engine and coolant quickly drops to match the ambient temperature. Upon starting the engine in the morning, it must increase fuel injection and raise the RPM to warm up quickly and reach the normal operating temperature. Therefore, the engine RPM and noise will be significantly higher than under normal temperature conditions.

[DelDelaney]

It's actually quite common for the engine to sound particularly loud when starting the car in winter. I've driven many cars and done some research on this. The main reason is that in cold weather, the engine oil becomes thicker and less fluid. When starting, the oil pump delivers oil more slowly, causing increased friction between the pistons and cylinders, which leads to louder noises. Additionally, the battery's performance declines in low temperatures, resulting in weaker power supply during startup. The engine may rev higher to warm itself up, naturally increasing the noise. Furthermore, components like belts or fans can freeze and harden, causing rough operation and additional noise. It's recommended to switch to low-viscosity winter oil in advance, perform regular maintenance checks, and let the engine warm up for one to two minutes before driving to reduce wear. Don't underestimate this issue—prolonged driving under these conditions may shorten the engine's lifespan and lead to higher repair costs.

[LaAlexis]

I just got my driver's license, and I often encountered loud engine noises when driving on winter mornings, thinking there was something wrong with the car. A friend explained that it's a normal phenomenon—low temperatures make the engine oil thicken like it's solidified, increasing friction between internal engine parts, which amplifies the sound. Additionally, the cold air intake affects combustion efficiency, making ignition less smooth, increasing vibrations, and resulting in louder noise. Later, I learned to wait for over two minutes after starting the engine, letting it warm up gradually as the RPM slowly drops before shifting into gear. After driving slowly for a few kilometers, the noise significantly reduces, and the car interior warms up. Remembering these tips has made winter driving much more reassuring, without unnecessary panic.

[StIsabel]

Having driven for decades, I've seen cars making louder noises in winter. When temperatures drop, the engine oil thickens, making the engine turn a bit stiff, hence the louder sound—perfectly normal. Older cars used to have it worse, but modern cars come with preheating systems. However, piston rings might still rattle in extreme cold. No need to worry too much; just let the car idle for half a minute after starting before driving, and avoid stomping on the gas. Keeping up with oil maintenance can also help reduce the issue significantly.