Why is My Engine Growling

Has your engine been making a growling sound? If you’re like most car owners, your intuition might be telling you that something is wrong. Bubbling or growling sounds may mean that air is trapped in the fluid of your vehicle cooling system, and it might be time for an expert diagnosis. Here are some reasons why your engine is growling.

Improper Coolant System Service

Did you recently have your coolant system serviced? Often an inexperienced mechanic will not bleed-out the system property, trapping air in the lines. Air pockets can cause your car or truck to overheat, cracking and warping the parts of your engine where the air is trapped. Ask your mechanic if he used the cooling systems bleeder valves or a funnel on the radiator to clear the lines of air. If he didn’t, this could be the cause of the growling you hear.

A Blown Head Gasket

Have you noticed that your car is not running as well as it used too? Your car or truck’s head gasket serves as an important barrier that prevents fluids from leaking into the engine’s cylinders. A blown head gasket will allow exhaust gases to become trapped in your coolant, causing a bubbling or gurgling sound. Accompanied by a loss of compression, due to the leak while your engine is running.

Air in the Heater Core

Is the growling noise coming from behind the glovebox on your passenger’s side? If so, this could mean that your vehicle’s heater core is full of air. Cars use heat from your cooling system to warm-up the cabin, and if that air makes it to the heater core, you may hear a gurgling sound. Air in the heater core can also be caused by too much coolant circulating through its core.

Your Coolant is Low

Have you checked the level of coolant in your radiator? Has your car or truck been overheating lately? When your coolant levels are too low, your radiator will fill-up with air. These air pockets in your cooling system will cause a gurgling or growling sound. Leaks commonly sprout from cracked hoses or a leaky water pump gasket and should be checked right away to prevent engine damage.

Power-Steering Pump

Is your car whining and growling during turns and when sitting still? If the growling noise is not coming from your cooling system, this noise might be a sign that your power-steering pump is on the fritz. While many new vehicles have electrically assisted steering, it’s best not to ignore this sound. It is possible that your power steering fluid is merely low, but don’t take a chance. You don’t want to be in a situation where you cannot turn properly, causing an accident.

When your car’s engine starts making a growling noise, reach out to your local dealer’s service department to have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible. Their highly trained mechanics will listen to the growling sound and inspect your vehicle, so they can provide you with a plan for any necessary repairs.