What's Going On With My Honda Civic?

This is a common question that Honda drivers just like you have when they hear a rattling noise coming from the engine area of their car. Often this is due to worn out parts or loose components, whose state leads to the engine making this noise. There are a few different pieces that if worn out, may lead to the engine rattling.

The Timing Chain Tensioner

One common cause is a worn out timing chain tensioner. The timing chain tensioner keeps the engine running properly by making sure the engine's camshaft and crankshaft stay synchronzied. If the chain becomes loose or broken, the engine may clatter when accelerating as the chain bumps against its guides. The noise is especially noticable when the car is starting up, or if driving at a low RPM.

The Engine Mounts

Another possible source of the noise at specifcally low RPM's could be your Civic's engine mounts. Your engine mount helps absord vibrations from the engine and the noise it generates. If you engine mounts wear down, they are less effective at absorbing this noise, leading you to hear it at low RPM's where the engines components are moving excessively.

The Exhaust System

One final place that may be causing your Civic to make a rattling noise would be its exhaust system. The exhaust system removes combustion byproducts away from the engine as the engine is running. It then expels these gas byproducts out of the engine and away from the car. Despite seeming simple, the exhaust system is a part just like any other and subject to wear and tear. An exhaust that is damaged at all or coming loose will make a rattling sound as it removes exhaust from the engine.

Next Steps

These are just some of the potential causes for why your Honda Civic is making a rattling noise. It is important when taking care of your Honda Civic to always be checking for any loose parts or worn out pieces of the vehicle, especially if hearing any odd noises. Ignoring these noises or your cars general maintenance can lead to major problems down the road as damaged parts may then also damage other nearby components, while also compromising the vehicles ability to drive. If you are hearing a rattling noise from your Civic, or you just haven't brought your car in for maintenence in a while, schedule using the link below and our team of expert technicians will make sure your ride stays safe and rattle free.