Engine noises: how to identify lubrication problems

At Repsol Lubricants, we know that your vehicle is more than just a means of transport: it is an investment, a work tool, and often an extension of yourself. That’s why understanding its signals is crucial to keeping it in optimal condition and prolonging its useful life. Today, we will focus on a fundamental aspect that often gets overlooked: engine noises.

Yes, your engine speaks to you. And if you learn to listen, it can warn you about problems before they turn into costly breakdowns. In particular, certain sounds are a clear indication that something is wrong with the lubrication, the soul of your engine.

Why is lubrication so important?

Imagine all the thousands of metal parts that move at high speed inside your engine: pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts... Without proper lubrication, the friction between these parts would be immense, generating excessive heat, premature wear and tear, and ultimately catastrophic failure. Lubricants also serve other functions, such as helping to dissipate heat, cleaning the engine, and protecting it against corrosion. 

When lubrication fails, whether due to low oil level, a degraded oil, or the use of an inappropriate lubricant, the parts begin to rub together abnormally. And that's where the noises come in.

Noises that warn you of oil problems

Pay attention to these sounds. If you can hear them, it's time to check your engine's lubrication:

Rattling or metal clacking sound 

This sound, often described as a dry, rhythmic rattling, can be a sign of worn hydraulic tappets or that have come loose. The tappets need oil to function properly and maintain the valve clearance. If they don't get enough lubrication or the oil is too viscous in the cold, they may make a sound. It could also indicate wear and tear on the connecting rod or crankshaft bearings if the sound is deeper and more constant, which is a serious warning sign.

The cause may be a lack of oil pressure, a low level, degradation of the product (which causes it not to reach everywhere), or an incorrect viscosity for the operating conditions.

Loud squeak or whistle

Although often associated with belts, a squeak coming from the engine (not the accessory belt) could indicate problems in components such as the alternator, water pump, or air conditioning compressor, whose bearings could be failing. This can occur due to wear and tear on internal bearings or lack of lubrication in the engine's auxiliary components.

Clattering sound

A more widespread clattering sound, as if something were loose inside the engine, can be an indication of excessive wear and tear on the timing chain or its tensioners. 

Here it should be remembered that these components need constant lubrication to operate smoothly, so the cause may be a low oil level, oil with low pressure, or loss of properties, which does not adequately protect the chain and its guides.

Constant buzzing or purring

A buzz can have multiple causes. Meanwhile a metallic buzz that seems to come from inside the engine and intensifies with revs could be signaling problems in the crankshaft or camshaft bearings. 

Again, these bearings are totally dependent on a constant oil film. That’s why the reason for this buzzing may be insufficient oil pressure, contaminated or degraded oil, or a lubricant that does not offer the necessary protection for high loads.

What should you do if you hear these noises?

If one day you notice that your engine sounds different, don’t ignore it and perform the following checks:

• Check the oil level: this is the first and easiest step. A low level is the most common cause of lubrication problems.
• Check the quality of the oil: check the last time you changed the oil to know if you’re due a change. You can also check if there are signs of wear and tear, such as the smell of burning, as it could be losing its protective properties.
• Check your vehicle manual: make sure you’re using the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer (viscosity, API/ACEA specifications, etc.). Using the wrong oil can be just as damaging as not using it at all. You can also use our portal’s search engine to find the lubricant that best suits your vehicle just by typing in the model or license plate.

If the noises persist after checking the level and quality of the oil, or if they are very pronounced, it is crucial that you take your vehicle to a trusted repair shop. A mechanic will be able to measure oil pressure, inspect the lubrication system, and determine if any parts are damaged. The sooner action is taken, the lower the risk of the problem becoming an expensive repair.

In short, don't wait for your engine to scream in pain. Listen to the signs and act in time to keep it running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently for many more miles to come.