I have an older car, and the engine’s always had a little roar to it. But lately, I’ve noticed it’s even louder than normal. Why does my engine sound so loud?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you’re asking yourself, just why does my engine sound loud?, here are some of the most common answers (and places you can start checking for yourself):
Bad Muffler: Sometimes, the culprit of a loud engine is little more than a bad or failing muffler. Check yours for rust, cracks, holes, or other signs of damage. Another symptom of a bad muffler can be a sudden drop in your fuel efficiency.
Broken Tail Pipe: Like your muffler, check your tailpipe for cracks, holes, and rust—issues with your tailpipe can result in a louder-sounding engine.
Failing Catalytic Converter: Catalytic converters are an essential part of managing your vehicle’s emissions—and if yours is failing, you’ll probably start to notice loud engine noise. A failing cat-con may also emit a smell like rotten eggs.
Spark Plugs Need Replacing: If your spark plugs aren’t working as they should, you may encounter frequent misfires that make your engine run louder.
Whatever the culprit, you’ll likely want to take your car to a mechanic for a second opinion and help resolving the issue. All of the potential causes listed above require immediate attention to prevent long-lasting damage to your engine.
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