Used Car Buying - What To Avoid

Engine sounds, knocking, squealing and squeaking

One of the best indications as to the condition of a used car engine is the sound it produces. A car engine should start and idle smoothly and evenly. A knock in an engine, which is a rhythmic metallic thumping, clacking or banging related to the speed of the engine, is a very bad sign.





Our expert mechanic points out that a knock from an engine is sometimes referred to as a death march for a car and likely the car will experience engine failure soon.


In addition to engine knock, a common engine sound to listen for is the sound of hesitation in the engine. By listening at the exhaust pipe you can note the condition of the valves in the engine. A good running engine will sound smooth and even where an engine with valve wear will have a distinct sputter in the sound coming from the exhaust. The more profound the sputtering and hesitation in the idle of the car, the more likely that internal engine repairs will be required soon.





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