What Does Knocking Mean in a Car Engine? Here Are the Causes & Solutions
Talking about car problems is indeed endless, one of which is knocking. So what does knocking in a car engine actually mean? Why does it happen? And how can it be resolved? To answer all these questions, you need to pay attention to the following discussion.
What Does Knocking in a Car Engine Mean?
Knocking in a car engine is another term for detonation. This term is used to describe problems in a car engine. This problem is characterized by the emergence of a knocking sound or a pinging noise accompanied by vibrations in the car engine. If this condition is left unchecked, it can lead to a decrease in engine performance. So what are the causes of this condition occurring in a car engine? For more details, pay attention to the following factors causing it.
Causes of Knocking in a Car Engine and How to Overcome It
Here are some factors that cause knocking in a car engine along with how to overcome them.
1. Use of Incorrect Fuel
The first cause of knocking in a car engine is due to the use of incorrect fuel. Generally, cars in Indonesia use fuel with an octane rating above 90, such as Pertamax.
However, in reality, many people use fuel with an octane rating below 90 for economic reasons. In fact, using low-octane fuel is the main cause of knocking. This condition will actually increase your expenses.
To address this issue, you need to use fuel that matches your car's fuel specifications. For example, if your car engine has a compression of 10:1, then you need to use fuel with an octane rating of 92 or higher.
Read Also: 5 Types of Alternative Fuels as Replacements for Gasoline
2. Excessive Carbon Deposits in the Engine Combustion Chamber
The second cause of knocking in a car engine is excessive carbon deposits in the engine combustion chamber. Carbon deposits are produced when the car engine is undergoing the combustion process. The use of low-octane fuel can accelerate the formation of these carbon deposits.
If these carbon deposits are left unchecked, they can narrow the volume of the engine combustion chamber, leading to knocking and overheating. To resolve this issue, you need to spray carbon cleaner into the spark plug hole.
3. Use of Incompatible Spark Plugs
The next cause of knocking in a car engine is the use of incompatible spark plugs. As is known, spark plugs play a crucial role in the engine combustion process. Because spark plugs function as igniters and control the internal environment of the car engine.
If you use spark plugs that do not match your car's specifications, the performance of the spark plugs will not be optimal due to lack of precision. This can lead to incomplete combustion and accelerate the formation of carbon deposits.
To address this issue, you need to know your car spark plug specifications. Use compatible spark plugs, and don't forget to always clean the spark plug electrodes with carbon cleaner and a brush.
4. Inadequate Air and Fuel Supply
The last cause is due to the fuel and air supply not meeting supply standards. As is known, for the combustion process to be perfect, the fuel and air supply must be just right, neither too little nor too much.
To resolve this, you need to visit the nearest Daihatsu workshop for proper carburetor tuning.
Thus, the causes and ways to overcome knocking in a car engine that you need to know. To keep your car free from this problem, you also need to replace the car fuel filter. Replace the fuel filter as soon as the car has traveled 20,000 kilometers.
