The engine is the heart of your vehicle. It’s what makes it go, and without regular maintenance, it can cause more problems than you want to deal with. The good news is that engine maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult because there are a few simple things you can do yourself. So, when an engine knocks, what does it mean?
The first thing you should know about car engines is how they work: in order for an engine to operate at peak efficiency, the fuel mixture must be ignited by a spark from the spark plugs in precisely timed intervals so that each cylinder fires when its piston reaches top dead centre on its power stroke. This process creates horsepower which moves the vehicle’s wheels and turns them into motion.
The Process
The engine combustion cycle can be broken down into four main events: intake, compression, power and exhaust.
Intake is when the air/fuel mixture enters the cylinder and gets compressed by the piston. The timing of this event in relation to the other events in the cycle determines whether it’s a four-stroke or two-stroke engine. Compression raises the pressure which will cause an increase in temperature for a given volume of gas; this will lead to higher efficiency and more power (since work is done on that gas). Power takes place when fuel ignites from spark plugs or compression due to high pressures created by pistons moving up and down, respectively. Finally, exhaust occurs when burned gases are pushed out through an opening at one end.
The sound of knocking in your engine, also known as pinging, can indicate a variety of issues. Some may be simple to repair, while others may indicate significant damage. When the fuel and air mixture is incorrect, the fuel burns in uneven pockets rather than uniform bursts, resulting in a knocking sound. It can damage the piston and cylinder wall if left untreated.
Check If You are Using Fuel with the Right Octane Rating
A knock can occur if you use fuel with an octane rating that is too low for your vehicle. Use gasoline with an octane rating equal to or higher than the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid this. An octane booster, which can be purchased at an auto parts store, can assist in restoring the proper octane rating and preventing knocking.
Inspect carbon deposits
Vehicle fuels must contain a carbon-cleaning detergent, but this may not be enough to prevent carbon deposits from forming. This reduces the volume of air inside the cylinder while increasing compression. This problem is usually solved by using a fuel additive.
Wrong Spark Plugs
The knocking sound you hear can be caused by using spark plugs other than those recommended by the manufacturer. The heat range of the spark plug is defined by how much heat it removes from the combustion chamber. If you use the wrong part, it may not work properly.
Deep knocking
If you hear a deep, loud knock, it’s a sign that your rod bearings are worn out. The bearings will fail soon, and your car will most likely leave you stranded. If you hear a noise like this, have it checked out by a mechanic.