Hearing strange noises coming from your car can be alarming. A clicking or ticking noise, in particular, is often associated with engine problems that can lead to costly repairs. But not all clicking noises pose a major threat to the drivability and safety of your vehicle.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the common causes of clicking noises in cars and whether it’s safe to operate a vehicle with this symptom. We’ll also provide tips on diagnosing the problem and deciding if immediate repair is required or if you can safely drive with the noise temporarily.
What Does a Clicking Noise in a Car Mean?
A clicking or ticking noise from under the hood is generally caused by one of these issues:
- Low engine oil level or oil pump failure
- Faulty lifters or rocker arms
- Issues with the valvetrain
- A loose timing belt or timing chain
- Problems with the valves or piston rods
- A malfunctioning fuel injector
The specific cause will determine how serious the problem is and whether you can safely operate the vehicle with the noise or if immediate repair is required.
Low Oil Level or Oil Pump Failure
One of the most common causes of clicking or ticking from the engine is a low level of motor oil. As the oil runs low, the valvetrain and other engine components are not sufficiently lubricated. This can cause them to make excessive noise.
Refilling the oil to the proper level will generally quiet the noise if low oil is the root of the problem. However, a loud clicking noise may also indicate a failing oil pump that can no longer maintain adequate oil pressure. An oil pump failure requires prompt repair as it can lead to extensive engine damage when oil flow is interrupted.
Faulty Lifters and Rocker Arms
Engine lifters, also called tappets, and rocker arms can also produce a noticeable click or tap when they begin to fail. Lifters and rocker arms are components in the valvetrain that open and close the engine’s valves. When they become worn out or dirty, their movement can become noisy.
Replacing faulty lifters and rocker arms is the proper repair. The noise may be intermittent at first but will become more pronounced over time as the components continue to wear out.
Issues with the Valvetrain
Problems in the valvetrain besides just the lifters and rocker arms can also be the source of clicking noises. The valves, valve springs, pushrods, timing chain or timing belt, camshaft, and cam followers are all part of the valvetrain. Excessive noise from any of these components generally indicates wear, damage, or misalignment.
Diagnosing the exact problem area of the valvetrain and performing the necessary repairs is recommended to address the noise and prevent further damage. For example, bent pushrods, worn camshaft lobes, broken valve springs, and a stretched timing chain can all produce similar clicking symptoms.
Loose Timing Belt or Chain
One of the most serious potential causes of clicking is a loose timing belt or timing chain. The timing belt or chain keeps the camshaft and crankshaft perfectly synchronized. When this vital timing component becomes loose, it can cause the valves to open and close at the wrong time. This can lead to piston and valve damage.
Driving with a loose timing chain or belt is extremely hazardous and should be avoided as soon as the noise is noticed. A loose timing component indicates replacement is needed before safe operation can resume.
Issues with Valves and Piston Rods
In some cases, a clicking or tapping noise may originate in the bottom end of the engine. Faulty valves not seating properly and excessive play in the piston rods can transmit noises directly to the engine block that may sound like clicking.
Again, the specific problem needs to be diagnosed. Repairs like valve replacement or piston and rod rebuilding may be required. The engine’s cylinders may also need to be inspected for damage if the valves and rods have been making excessive noise.
Malfunctioning Fuel Injector
Finally, on modern fuel injected vehicles, a faulty fuel injector can also produce an audible clicking or ticking sound as it operates. This indicates that an injector is no longer opening and closing properly. The underlying cause could be a buildup of deposits that is preventing the injector needle from moving smoothly.
Fuel injector cleaning or replacement of the affected injector may be required to resolve this particular noise. It’s not directly dangerous to operate with a noisy injector but driving for long periods with the condition could lead to reduced performance and fuel efficiency.
Is it Safe to Drive with a Clicking Noise?
Whether or not it’s safe to drive with the clicking noise depends on the cause. Here are some general guidelines on navigating this situation:
Low Oil Level
Driving a short distance to a service station or safe location to add oil is normally safe with a low oil level that is causing clicking. However, the oil level should be checked immediately and more oil added if needed to prevent engine damage.
Faulty Lifters, Rocker Arms, Valves
Continuing to drive with noises traced to worn or damaged lifters, rocker arms, valves, or related components may be safe in the short-term. The noises may gradually worsen but are not typically an urgent failure risk. However, repairs should be scheduled promptly to prevent eventual breakdown.
Loose Timing Belt/Chain, Bent Pushrods
Immediate repair is strongly recommended. While the car may seem to run normally at first, considerable internal damage can occur rapidly. The vehicle should be towed to a repair shop and not driven more than absolutely necessary.
Piston/Rod Noise, Fuel Injector Noise
These noises indicate problems that should be diagnosed and repaired, but they likely do not pose an immediate safety risk or risk of major damage. Short test drives and operation until repairs can be completed should be acceptable.
In general, mild clicking without any other symptoms may not represent a serious problem. Changes like louder noises, performance issues, warning lights, loss of power, or shaking provide reasons to discontinue driving immediately until repairs can be made.
Diagnosing the Cause of the Clicking Noise
Trying to pinpoint what’s causing the clicking yourself before taking your car to a mechanic can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s safe to keep driving the vehicle.
Here are some tips for diagnosing the problem:
- Check the engine oil level first. This is the easiest thing to inspect and address. Low oil due to a leak or simple lack of maintenance can cause all kinds of noises.
- Determine if the noise changes with engine speed. Take note if the clicking becomes faster alongside engine rpm. This often points to a problem in the valvetrain.
- Rev the engine while parked and listen around the timing belt or chain cover area. Loose timing components will typically produce noises here.
- Remove the oil fill cap while idling and listen inside the valve cover with a mechanic’s stethoscope. This can help isolate the location of the noise.
- Feel for any abnormal engine vibrations that may indicate worn internal parts.
- Test drive the vehicle and note any changes in the conditions of the noise or performance issues that arise.
Being able to reproduce the noise reliably and noting specifics about when it occurs will help your mechanic determine if it’s safe to continue driving or if immediate repair is best.
When to Stop Driving a Clicking Car
Here are some clear warning signs that it is not safe to keep driving with an audible clicking or ticking noise coming from the engine:
- The noise suddenly gets much louder or faster
- You notice smoke coming from the engine bay
- The Check Engine light or oil warning light illuminate
- The car loses power when accelerating
- Difficulty starting the engine or stalling occurs
- The car begins overheating or runs hotter than normal
- The noise is traced to the timing belt or timing chain
- You detect knocking, pinging or rattling along with the clicking
If any of these warning signs accompany the clicking sound, it’s best to immediately pull over, shut off the engine, and call for a tow. Driving further risks engine failure or breakdowns in an unsafe location.
Is it Safe to Drive Short Distances with Clicking?
Driving short distances of just a few miles to and from a repair shop, or moving the vehicle into your garage or driveway may be acceptable depending on the severity of the noise.
It’s best to avoid any non-essential driving until the noise can be diagnosed. But with mild clicking and no other symptoms, carefully driving short distances at low speeds may pose little risk.
Be alert for any worsening of the noise or other problems as you drive. Park the car as soon as possible if the noise becomes louder or faster, or you notice performance issues arise.
Also use extra caution when braking and accelerating gently. Aggressive driving can worsen mechanical problems.
Can You Damage Your Engine By Driving with Clicking Noises?
It’s possible to sustain engine damage if certain clicking noises are left unaddressed. Here are some potential consequences of continued driving:
- Low oil level can increase valve, lifter and cylinder wear
- Loose timing components can lead to bent valves and piston damage
- Worn lifters and rocker arms can contaminate oil and clog passages
- Damaged valves can become stuck open or closed
- Failed oil pumps can starve bearings, camshafts and other components of oil
- Severely stripped timing chains or belts can result in complete breakdown
The longer an underlying problem goes unfixed, the more likely serious engine damage can occur. A minor noise can be the first sign of larger issues developing.
Repairing clicking noises early maximizes the chances of just needing minor repairs. Ignoring the noise risks expensive engine repairs down the road.
Can You Permanently Fix Clicking Noises?
In most cases, clicking noises can be permanently repaired by a professional mechanic once the underlying cause is identified and addressed:
- Replacing worn rocker arms and lifters will stop associated noises.
- Resealing valves or replacing valves and valve springs eliminates related clicks.
- Installing a new timing belt or chain cures a loose condition.
- Overhauling sticking piston rods removes piston noise.
- Rebuilding worn rod and main bearings fixes knocks and clacks.
Noisy fuel injectors may need cleaning and calibration or to be replaced entirely. Oil pumps, camshafts and cam followers may also need to be replaced to permanently resolve noises.
In some cases, extensive engine repairs including reboring cylinders or full engine replacement may be required if the underlying cause of noises is not addressed early on.
Regular Maintenance Can Prevent Clicking Noises
Many clicking noises arise from lack of regular maintenance that allows components to exceed their service life. Here is how good maintenance habits can prevent clicking issues:
- Change oil regularly to maintain proper lubrication and reduce wear.
- Use quality oils and filters to prevent contaminants harming engine parts.
- Inspect and change belts and chains as specified.
- Clean fuel injectors to maintain smooth operation.
- Check valve clearance and adjust if needed.
- Replace water pumps, tensioners, idlers and pulleys on schedule.
- Fix minor fluid leaks quickly to prevent low levels.
Following the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines appropriate for your driving usage helps keep all engine components in top shape for maximum life. This reduces the chances of wearing out prematurely and making noise.
Home Remedies to Temporarily Fix Clicking
While professional repair is the only way to fully resolve clicking noises, you may be able to temporarily quiet some noises with a few home remedies:
- Add engine oil to proper level or change oil entirely if contaminated
- Use an engine cleaner additive to clean sticky lifters and valves
- Replace worn serpentine belt if slipping is causing noise
- Tighten loose fan belt, alternator belt or A/C compressor belt
- Tighten loose pulleys causing belt vibration and noise
Cleaning dirty lifters can help in some cases but will only provide short-term relief. Any noises related to timing or other internals require prompt professional service. Use home remedies cautiously and avoid driving if noises worsen or remain unchanged.
FAQ About Clicking Noises When Driving
Is it safe to drive my car with a clicking noise?
It depends on the specific cause, but mild clicking without other symptoms may be safe for short distances. Have the noise inspected immediately and discontinue driving if it worsens or is linked to the timing belt/chain, valves, or oil pump.
What typically causes a clicking or ticking sound from the engine?
Common causes include low oil level, worn rocker arms/lifters, timing chain/belt issues, problems with valves or piston rods, and bad fuel injectors.
Can I damage my engine by driving with a clicking noise?
It’s possible. Driving with noises from low oil, timing components, valves, or other internals can lead to increased wear and failure over time. The longer noises go unchecked, the greater the risk of eventual breakdown.
Is it safe to drive a few miles with a clicking engine?
Light clicking with no performance changes may be safe for very short drives under 10 miles. Use caution and stop immediately if the noise worsens. Do not attempt to drive moderate or long distances until the noise is diagnosed.
Should I pull over and call for a tow if I hear clicking while driving?
It’s advisable to pull over and tow the vehicle if the clicking suddenly becomes louder, faster, or is accompanied by warning lights or loss of power. Otherwise, you may be able to carefully drive short distances to have the noise inspected.
The Bottom Line
Hearing a clicking noise from your engine while driving should never be ignored. In some cases, it may be safe to cautiously operate the vehicle for short trips to a repair shop. But sudden loud noises or other performance issues arising require pulling over immediately.
Diagnosing the specific cause of the noise using an automotive stethoscope and other testing procedures will determine if repairs must be completed before the vehicle can be safely driven again. Addressing minor clicking early on can prevent extensive repairs later down the road.
While no clicking noise should be considered “normal,” not every case means major engine damage is imminent. Use good judgement and always err on the side of caution if any uncertain noises arise. Don’t take chances with your safety or the health of your engine.
