Spelled with a lowercase S, smart cars didn’t take off in the United States as much as Mercedes-Benz thought they would. Nonetheless, if you are one of the consumers that purchased this tiny vehicle, you want to keep it in tiptop shape so you get as many miles out of it as you can. RB Auto Service is the best European auto shop in Pinellas Park, and we can fix your smart car if the engine is making any of the following noises.
Grinding
Grinding noises coming from the smart car’s engine could be a sign that the oil filter is clogged and blocking the oil from circulating through the engine. Other things that can make the engine grind are a faulty water pump, a dying alternator, or a dying fuel pump.
Hissing
If you hear hissing sounds coming from the engine of your smart car, it’s possible that you have a leaking vacuum hose in the engine. The engine may also hiss and/or sizzle if the smart car has developed a fluid leak that is dripping onto engine parts that are hot.
Knocking
It’s also a good idea to avoid driving your smart car if the engine is knocking. This can be a sign that the rod bearings have worn out and are causing the pistons to bang against the cylinder walls. Engine knocking can also be a detonation problem caused by worn spark plugs or the wrong type of fuel.
Popping
Your smart car may make a popping sound if the exhaust manifold is leaking. It may also make a popping sound when you shut it off if the engine has gotten a little too hot. Another thing that will pop is the catalytic converter if it is clogged by sulfur or carbon deposits.
Rumbling
Speaking of the catalytic converter, the smart car may roar like a lion if the catalytic converter has been stolen. Rumbling or roaring noises are also an indication that you need to replace the muffler. The engine will rumble loudly, especially when you accelerate, if the muffler has a hole in it.
Squealing
Finally, squealing noises coming from the smart car’s engine could signal a problem with the power steering pump or the accessory belt. Sometimes, the accessory belt gets too loose and simply needs to be tightened to stop the squealing noises.
Call RB Auto Service in Pinellas Park, FL, today if your smart car is making strange noises.