Car Makes Noise When Accelerating At Low Speed | What to do

Hello everybody, we all have been stuck in a situation where our car, while running smoothly, starts making noise when accelerating at a low speed. I admit that the sound is frustrating, but more than that, it can prove to be dangerous. However, if you discover the reason(s) behind the noise, the issue can be fixed quickly.

Car Makes Noise When Accelerating At Low Speed 

To determine the cause of the noise, you must listen carefully to its sound. Different noises indicate different problems, and all noises should be taken seriously, as delaying repairs can result in irreparable damage. While slapping and chirping noises are everyday, other noises can also be heard.

Interestingly, the noise from the car typically starts within the speed range of 0 mph to 30 mph and stops beyond 40 mph. If your car is not receiving enough air through the air filter, it will make noise.

The reason for that can be a blocked exhaust system. Other causes can be that a rumpled drive belt and a loose engine mount make the car make a loud noise when accelerating at both low and high speeds. If the engine isn’t stationed correctly, it vibrates and makes noise.

Car Is Making Noise When Accelerating: Noises and Causes  

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Rattling

Rattling is one of the most irritating noises that can give you a headache and indicate various issues in your car. To locate the source of the noise, pay close attention to its origin. If it emanates from underneath, something has likely come loose, such as the exhaust fumes or catalytic converter.

On the other hand, if the rattling sound is coming from the engine compartment, it’s probable that your engine has become displaced or dismounted. Another possibility for the noise could be a faulty drive shaft. If the sound comes from inside the car, there may not be a cause for concern. It’s possible that a loose part is rolling around in your boot compartment.

Chirping

There might be a few reasons your car makes chirping noises when accelerating at low speeds. A possible cause of the sound is a faulty pulley system; your brakes may also contribute to the issue. Please pay attention to the sound and note whether it occurs with each axle revolution. If the axle is the culprit, it is critical to address the issue promptly.

Faulty axles can cause the tires to stop rotating while driving, resulting in the wheels coming off and a severe accident.

The appropriate solution for your situation will depend on the specific problem, which may involve repairing or replacing the pulley system or brakes. Hiring a mechanic is a wise choice, but you can attempt the repair yourself if you prefer to save money.

Rumbling

If you hear a screeching sound while accelerating your car, it could indicate a problem with the engine belt. The engine belt can make noise while driving when it gets worn off.

However, it is not always the engine belt that causes the noise; the belt pulley can also be the source of the problem. A bad belt pulley cannot keep the car running by moving the belt as it should. A rumbling noise could be due to an issue with the exhaust system. A leak in the exhaust pipe causes the car to make a rumbling noise as it tries to expel fumes but cannot.

A failing transmission is a less common but noticeable cause of a rumbling noise. This problem may be due to blocked fluid flow or worn-out gears requiring transmission servicing or replacement.

Finally, a defective cooling system could also cause a squealing sound. This problem leads to engine overheating, which can only be resolved by promptly servicing the cooling system.

Squeaking

A common reason for a screeching sound is wearing our brake pads. Over time, brake pads wear down, especially if you regularly drive in a stop-and-go mode in heavy traffic. Some brake pads are designed to make a screeching sound when worn off. Replace them as soon as possible to avoid any further exacerbation.

A good practice is to replace the breaking pads every 10,000 miles. You can also ask the mechanic to check the brake pads whenever you go there for an oil change. Brakes can also squeak or squeal if the bearings deteriorate. Squeaking sound can also occur due to worn-out tires or shocks. Sometimes the sound can also indicate an issue with the engine.

Depending on the problems, there can be several ways to fix the issue. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as adding some lubricant to brakes, or if things get complicated, it can lead to replacing shocks or tires.

Grinding

If you hear a grinding noise coming from your car, it’s likely that your transmission is worn out. When the wheels spin faster than the transmission can handle, it will grind while accelerating. Sometimes, it will grind at a specific speed as the engine can manage gears.

A grinding sound may also indicate that the clutch is stuck in place while you are driving and is not releasing properly. A loose engine mount can cause the engine to move within the mount, creating a grinding noise. As engines weigh around 150 kilograms and are made of metal, they can erode over time.

Another possible cause of the noise could be an issue with the brake pads or rotors, which will require replacement to fix the issue.

If something is wrong with the differential, an integral part of the car that distributes power from the engine to each of the four wheels, you will hear a grinding noise. Promptly visit a mechanic to fix the problem.

Worn-off wheel bearings can also produce a grinding noise. Wheel bearings are small balls that keep the wheels attached to the axle and rotating without causing friction. You can replace the wheel bearings yourself or hire a mechanic to do it for you.

Knocking

It is something to worry about when driving, and your car starts making a knocking noise when accelerating at low speed. It mostly happens when you drive over a speed bump, and the object jumps around in your boot and glove compartment. However, if the knocking sound is coming from underneath your car, that most likely means something has got loose or dislodged.

Slapping

Car makes noise when accelerating at low speeds, and slapping noise is one of them. The most common reason for slapping noise in your car is the defective transmission. Slapping noise can also occur due to a flat tire. If the air has leaked out of the tire, it will rub against the road.

Another possibility for slapping sound is the drivetrain components’ wear and tear, which can be fixed by replacing the damaged components.

Is It Safe to Drive a Car Making A Noise When Accelerating At Low Speed 

When accelerating at low speed, weird noises might mean something odd is happening with your car. If you have a good idea about what is happening with your car, you are free to drive it but don’t forget to take necessary precautions. Below are some precautions to follow if you’re stuck in a similar situation.

• Stay on guard and slow down when necessary
• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
• Be aware of your surroundings and what the other drivers on the road are doing.
• Stay cautious when turning or breaking.

If you can drive further without collateral damage, go to a mechanic. If you are sure about the root cause of the problem, you might be tempted to keep driving and fix the problem on your own, but according to my knowledge and experience, seeing a mechanic is the best option.

Make a quick decision; waiting too long can damage your car further, making a bigger hole in your pocket.

Any problem related to the engine, undercarriage, and mechanical parts should be left to experts. They know way more than we can and will most likely figure out the problem before you explain.

FAQs 

Below are some frequently asked questions on car makes noise when accelerating at low speed. Let’s take a deep dive into some nuanced aspects of it.

Why does my car make noise when I press gas?

If you hear a weird noise when pressing the gas pedal, a few components can be responsible for the problem. Vacuum leak, exhaust system leak, and issues with the throttle cable itself.

What does a failing transmission sound like?

Failing transmission can produce sounds like humming and clunking. A defective automatic transmission makes humming and buzzing sounds, whereas a manual transmission will make a rasping clunking sound.

Why does my car sound like a lawn mower when accelerating?

The root cause of the problem is the Exhaust leak. It happens when the exhaust starts carrying a lot of hot chemicals, which puts a lot of strain on the parts as they expand and shrink. All that stress and strain on the parts make your car sound like a lawn mover. It mostly happens when the car is started or given a sudden acceleration.

Can low transmission fluid cause a rattling noise?

Low transmission fluid can cause a rattling noise. Although a minor issue can create a very annoying rattling sound, the solution is also relatively easy. The case problem is a drop in the correct amount of fluid your car engine needs.

Why does my car make noise when taking a turn?

There can be a few reasons why that is happening to you, but the most prominent reason can be something plunked or poked in your wheel bearings. It can be anything, leaves, stones, debris, etc. The best solution here is to clean your wheel thoroughly.

Final Thoughts 

That is all I wanted to as about what needs to be done when the car makes noise when accelerating at low speed. Now that you have learned about different types of noises coming from a car, you can try to rectify the problem on your own or contact a mechanic (which, honestly, is much better than doing it yourself). Whatever the case, if you follow the guide properly, you won’t face any major issues.

Thanks for reading. Have a lovely day.