Why Is My Car Making a Ticking Noise? Diagnose It & Find a Fix
- Diagnostic
FixMyCar discusses why your car might be making a ticking noise.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Tuesday September 24 2024
6 min read
Ticking is a reasonably common car noise. Sometimes, it’s harmless - a normal part of how your engine operates - and other times, it indicates an underlying problem. Whatever the cause of your car’s ticking noise, this guide is designed to help you get to the bottom of it and find an appropriate fix.
In a nutshell: Your car might be making a ticking noise due to low engine oil, broken or misaligned valves, a blocked fuel filter, faulty spark plugs, damaged lifters, knocking engine rods or a leaking exhaust manifold.
Seven reasons for a ticking noise in your car
Read on to find out what might be making a ticking sound in your car.
1. Low engine oil
The purpose of engine oil is to protect and lubricate components, making them last longer. When there isn’t enough oil in the system - or the pressure is too low - you may notice a ticking sound as moving engine parts hit against each other.
This guide explains how to check your engine oil level. Using the correct oil for your car is essential; the wrong oil may cause unexpected noises and damage. You can find this information in your vehicle handbook.
2. Damaged engine oil filter
The engine oil filter ensures dirt and debris aren’t circulated around the engine. If worn or damaged, it can’t perform efficiently, and your engine oil will get dirty very quickly.
Contaminated oil has a knock-on effect on other components - it doesn’t lubricate them properly and can also prevent them from moving as smoothly as they should, creating a ticking or clicking sound.
Your oil filter is usually changed as part of an annual service. If your car hasn’t been serviced within the last year, consider booking an oil and filter change.
3. Broken or misaligned valves
You may or may not have heard the term “valve train” before - it refers to the mechanical system that controls when engine valves open and close. When this system works correctly, the intake valve opens as the exhaust valve closes.
However, some parts in the valve train may break or become worn, making it hard for the system to work correctly. The result is that you may hear ticking noises as valves struggle to open and close.
Other symptoms of a bad valve train include:
Performance issues
4. Dirty or worn lifters
Valve lifters are the components responsible for opening engine valves. They wear down over time, resulting in a ticking or clicking sound from metal against metal - often called a “lifter tick”.
Another problem arises when lifters become dirty from oil deposits. You could clean them yourself, but if you’re unsure how to access them, it’s best to get a mechanic to do it for you.
One of the best ways to prevent this is to change your oil regularly; the dirtier it gets, the more likely it is to impact other engine components.
5. Faulty spark plugs
Spark plugs should be replaced every 80,000-100,000 miles. They are designed to be durable, so if you have an old or high-mileage vehicle, they could be to blame for unusual noises.
When spark plugs wear out, they can cause the engine to misfire because they fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture properly, resulting in ticking noises as the engine runs. Similarly, if they become misaligned, they may allow exhaust gas to enter the engine, resulting in a ticking sound.
Find out about other signs your spark plugs need replacing or learn how to change them yourself.
6. Knocking engine rods
“Rod knock” is another common term in the automotive world. It refers to the sound of rods knocking against each other inside the engine - this can create thumping, ticking, knocking or clicking sounds.
Rod knock happens due to excessive wear and tear. When connecting rods inside the bearings have too much clearance, their movement is affected. Then, as soon as the piston changes direction, metal hits against metal.
If you suspect rod knock is to blame for the ticking in your engine, you should consult a mechanic, who will inspect the bearings and rods for signs of wear. After that, they will advise on how the issue can be resolved.
7. Leaking exhaust manifold
Believe it or not, a leaking exhaust could be to blame for the ticking sound you are experiencing, particularly in the manifold. You may find the ticking is more noticeable when the engine is cold.
Broken exhaust manifold bolts allow gases to seep around the manifold rather than through the exhaust system, creating a ticking sound. Other signs of an exhaust manifold leak include:
Strange smells
The leak may be repairable with welding or a replacement bolt if it is small. Find out more in the ultimate guide to exhausts.
How to fix a ticking noise from your car, and how much it costs
The following fixes may help to eliminate ticking noises.
Check your engine oil & top up as needed - between £20-40.
Book an engine oil & filter replacement - £116.30 is the average oil change price when booked through FixMyCar.
Book an engine diagnostic test and an engine repair - diagnostic tests are around £54.64.
Check your spark plugs & replace as necessary - spark plugs cost between £5-20 without fitting depending on how many you need.
Book an exhaust repair - the average exhaust repair cost on FixMyCar is £121.36.
Can ticking noises be normal?
Almost all engines will produce some amount of ticking when running; if your car has always made a relatively quiet, rhythmic ticking sound, it’s probably nothing to worry about. You only need to be concerned if the noise is new or suddenly louder.
Components that can cause ticking during regular operation are the fuel injectors, PCV valve and purge valve. Your car may also tick when the engine is cold and stop once it gets up to temperature.
If you’re still concerned about your car’s ticking noise, it’s always best to have it checked by a mechanic for your peace of mind.
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