As a car owner and driver, you might hear a noise noise when starting your vehicle that goes away after a few moments.
Unusual noises can be a sign of underlying issues.
By knowing what might be causing the noise, you can take steps to prevent big repairs and make sure your car is safe by consulting a mechanic. If you like doing minor car repairs yourself, you can figure out the problem and find DIY solutions.
Here I’ll explain 8 common causes of car noises when starting and then disappearing later.
1. Worn-Out Belts
Belts in your car can wear out over time. When they do, they might make a squealing or ticking noise when you start the car. This noise usually goes away as the engine warms up.
Belts become hard and less flexible when they are cold. As the engine runs and warms up, the belts soften and the noise disappears. The belts in your car are made of rubber, and with use, they can crack or become glazed. Such wear and tear can cause them to slip, leading to the noise you hear.
2. Loose or Worn-Out Starter
A loose or worn-out starter can make a grinding noise when you start your car because the starter gear is not engaging properly with the flywheel.
The starter motor’s gear might not align correctly with the flywheel, causing a grinding sound. The misalignment can occur due to wear and tear on the starter motor or the flywheel. Over time, the teeth on the starter gear can wear down, making it difficult for the gear to engage properly.
3. Faulty Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors can also make a ticking noise when they are dirty or faulty. The noise usually disappears as the engine runs and the injectors start working properly.
Dirty or faulty fuel injectors can cause uneven fuel distribution, leading to a ticking noise. Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine, and if they are not working correctly, the engine may not receive the right amount of fuel, which can cause the engine to run unevenly, therefore leading to the noise.
4. Bad Timing Belt
A bad timing belt can cause a loud noise when starting your car, which can be a sign that the belt might be worn out or damaged.
The timing belt controls the engine’s valves. If it is worn out, it can slip and cause a noise, which might cause serious damage to the engine.
5. Cold Engine
A cold engine can also make various noises when starting your car. These noises usually go away as the engine warms up.
Cold engines cause the metal parts to contract, leading to noises. As the engine warms up, the parts expand and the noise stops. When the engine is cold, the oil is also thicker, which can cause additional noise. As the engine warms up, the oil thins out and the noise goes away.
6. Faulty Alternator
The alternator’s bearings can wear out with age, causing a whining noise. The alternator is responsible for charging the car’s battery and powering the electrical system. If the bearings in the alternator are worn, it can cause the alternator to make a whining noise.
7. Bad Spark Plugs
Worn-out spark plugs can cause misfires, which leads to a knocking noise because the spark plugs are not firing correctly.
Spark plugs are designed to ignite the fuel in the engine. If they are not working correctly, the engine may not run smoothly, causing the noise you hear.
8. Loose Exhaust System
The exhaust system can become loose to cause a rattling noise. The exhaust system is made up of several parts, including the muffler, catalytic converter, and pipes. If any of these parts become loose, it can cause a rattling noise. And the noise then disappear as the car warms up and the metal expands.