We all love driving and it’s obvious the experience of driving a car should be smooth and fun. However, when you hear strange clicking sounds, it can be scary and even annoying and if you’re one of those wondering “Why Is my car making a clicking noise when driving” your car is trying to tell you that something is wrong, and you need to fix it right away to stop the damage from getting worse. This article will talk about the different reasons your car might be clicking while you’re drivinh, how to figure out what’s wrong, and possible ways to fix it.
What Are Possible Reasons for Clicking Noises in Cars?
Most of the time, clicking sounds are not normal in cars because they are very complicated tools. Any clicking sound in your car should be looked into, no matter what brand, model, or age it is. There are different kinds of clicking sounds, such as dry, high-pitched clicks and deep, hollow sounds.
These different kinds of clicking sounds can mean different things are wrong with your car’s systems. A clicking sound while moving could be caused by a number of different things. Getting to the bottom of the noise problem is important for figuring out what to do next. Here are a few popular ones:
Loose Brake Pads
Loose brake pads could be the cause of noises that click. When your brake pads aren’t properly attached, you might hear ticking sounds when you slow down or press on the brakes. At slower speeds, this problem may not be as clear, but at faster speeds, it is. To make sure safe stopping, it’s important to fix any loose brake pads right away.
Low Engine Oil (Must-Check)
If your engine oil level is too low, your car may make clicking sounds. Several parts of an engine use engine oil to keep them from rubbing against each other, which reduces friction. If the oil level is too low, the moving parts might not get enough oil, which could cause clicking or ticking sounds. For the best engine performance and life, you need to check and add more oil to your engine on a regular basis.
Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are an important part of how your engine burns fuel. They can wear out or have problems over time, which can cause clicking sounds. If your spark plugs are broken, the combustion may not happen properly, which can lead to misfires and popping sounds. This problem can be avoided by doing regular upkeep, such as replacing the spark plugs when they need to be replaced.
Damaged Lifters in Engine Cylinder Head
The valves in your engine are opened and closed by lifters in the cylinder head. If these lifts get worn out or broken, they might make a low-pitched clanking sound that sounds like clicking. This sound might keep going even when the car is moving quickly or not at all. To keep the engine running smoothly, broken lifters must be checked and replaced as needed.
Damage to Your Constant Velocity (CV) Axle
If you hear clicking sounds when you turn, it could mean that there is a problem with the CV axle. The CV axle lets the transmission send power to the wheels and lets the vehicle move in different ways. If there is damage to the CV axle’s shaft boot, the dry parts may rub against each other and make popping sounds. The CV axle needs to be inspected and fixed as soon as possible to stop further damage and make sure driving is safe.
Fix a Car that Makes Clicking Noise When Driving
Once you have identified the cause of the clicking noise, it’s time to take appropriate action to resolve the issue. Here are some steps you can take to fix a car that’s making a clicking noise when driving:
Top-Up Your Engine Oil
The clicking sound might be caused by low engine oil. You can fix the problem by adding more oil. Check the oil dipstick in your car to see how much oil is in it right now. If it’s below the level that’s suggested, add the right kind and amount of oil based on the instructions that came with your car. For your engine to run smoothly, you need to check and keep the oil level on a regular basis.
Replace Faulty Spark Plugs
If the clicking sounds are coming from broken spark plugs, you might need to replace them. Check your car’s manual or get help from a professional to find out what kind of spark plugs you need and how to install them. Take out the old spark plugs and put in the new ones, making sure they fit properly and are tight. Replacing spark plugs at the intervals suggested by the maker will help keep the engine running at its best.
Replace Damaged Lifters
If damaged lifters are the source of the clicking noise, consider replacing them. Damaged lifters can negatively affect engine performance and potentially lead to further damage if left unaddressed. Consult a professional mechanic to inspect the lifters and recommend the appropriate replacement procedure. Regular engine oil changes can help prolong the lifespan of lifters and prevent damage.
Fix Loose Brake Pads
If your brake pads are making clicking sounds, you need to get them fixed right away. When brake pads are too loose, they can make stopping less effective and less safe. A skilled mechanic can check the brake pads’ condition and tell you if they need to be adjusted or replaced. If you properly attach the brake pads, you will be able to stop safely and smoothly.
Repair or Replace CV Axle
If the clicking sound is coming from a broken CV axle, it’s important to fix the problem right away. If your CV axles are damaged, it may be hard to drive your car and could cause more harm. Get a skilled mechanic to look at the CV axle and figure out how bad the damage is. The CV axle may need to be fixed or replaced, depending on how bad the damage is. If you act quickly, you can help keep your car’s engine in good shape.
Can You Drive a Car with a Clicking Noise?
Driving a car that’s making a clicking noise can be concerning, but whether or not it’s safe to continue driving depends on the exact cause of the noise. In general, it’s not recommended to ignore clicking noises and continue driving without addressing the underlying issue. Some clicking noises, such as those caused by loose brake pads or damaged CV axles, can compromise safety and further damage your car if left unattended.
It’s crucial to have a professional mechanic assess the clicking noise and determine if it’s safe to drive the car. In some cases, such as a rapid clicking noise due to a faulty battery or alternator, you may need to jump-start the car to get it to a mechanic for repair. However, it’s important to remember that temporary solutions should not be relied upon, and proper repairs should be carried out as soon as possible.
Also Read: What are Possible Red Flags or Signs of a Scam When Buying a Car?
In Closing
If your car starts buzzing while you’re driving, you need to fix the problem right away to keep you safe on the road and stop any further damage. By learning about the possible reasons for clicking sounds and following the steps in this guide, you can figure out what’s wrong and fix it.
