Hearing a strange knocking noise while driving can throw anyone off. One moment everything’s fine, then tap-tap-tap under the hood ruins the calm. If you’re driving an INFINITI, these sounds might catch your attention because the drive is usually smooth and quiet. So when something’s off, it’s hard to ignore. Knocking sounds are more than a small annoyance. They might be trying to tell you there’s something mechanical that needs to be looked at before it grows into a bigger, more expensive problem.
It doesn’t always mean the car is in danger, but it definitely means something isn’t working the way it should. Ignoring those knocks or hoping they disappear is risky. Whether it’s coming from the engine bay, beneath the car, or closer to the wheels, finding the source of that noise can help keep your INFINITI performing the way it’s built to. Knowing what might be causing these sounds saves time and stress when it comes time to explain it to a technician.
Common Causes Of Knocking Sounds In INFINITI Cars
Car sounds can be tricky, but a knocking noise usually means something is moving around or hitting something it shouldn’t. Different problems create different types of knocks, and tracking down the source helps you rule things out quickly and accurately. Here are some common trouble spots where knocking sounds begin:
- Engine issues: One of the most common causes of knocking comes from what’s going on inside the engine itself. Using a fuel with a lower octane rating than needed can cause what’s called engine pinging. That’s when fuel burns unevenly and creates pressure spikes that sound like metallic tapping. Another reason might be carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, which messes with how fuel burns and causes similar noises.
- Loose or worn engine parts: A knocking sound can also come from something simple like a loose timing chain tensioner or worn bearings. These parts keep things on track under the hood, and when they loosen or get damaged over time, they might cause clicking or knocking noises as you drive.
- Suspension problems: If the knocking noise comes when you’re turning or going over bumps, the issue might be in the suspension. Worn strut mounts, damaged bushings, or bad ball joints can all make your ride sound and feel rough.
- Exhaust system trouble: Sometimes, it’s not the engine or suspension at all, but something in the exhaust system making trouble. A loose heat shield, for example, can bounce and rattle against other parts under the car, especially when driving over uneven pavement or potholes, which is common enough on Queens roads.
One driver in Bayside mentioned hearing a repetitive metallic knock every morning on start-up. Turned out, a loosened heat shield was tapping the exhaust pipe. It took just a few minutes to identify, but confusing that for engine damage would’ve caused a lot more worry.
Knocking sounds aren’t always constant, and that’s part of what makes them tricky. They can show up when you accelerate, only on hills, during cold starts, or going over certain bumps. The sooner you narrow down when and where the sound happens, the easier it is to fix it fast.
Immediate Actions to Take When You Hear Knocking
The moment you hear a knocking noise in your INFINITI, don’t crank the music up to ignore it. Instead, pay close attention. Take note of when the sound occurs. Is it during acceleration, braking, turning, or starting up the engine? Try to figure out whether the noise happens only once or keeps repeating. These small details will help a trained technician find the root cause a lot quicker.
When it’s safe, pull over and do a basic walkaround of your car. You’re not looking to fix anything, just to spot anything you can describe at your service appointment. Look for loose panels, scrape marks near the wheels, or anything hanging underneath. You won’t catch everything this way, but it can give you clues.
Here’s what to do next:
- Turn down your AC and radio so you can hear the sound more clearly.
- Listen for the noise during different actions like idling, turning, speeding up, or slowing down.
- Try to record the noise using your phone if it’s consistent.
- Mark which area it seems to be coming from: front, rear, under the car, or from the engine bay.
- Schedule a checkup with a certified technician.
Don’t try to wait it out. Small issues can grow fast, especially if you’re driving in and around Queens where daily stop-and-go traffic and rough roads can put even more strain on weak parts. Whether loose bolts or degrading mounts are to blame, it’s better to rule out something minor than let it snowball into major repairs.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Future Knocking Sounds
Preventing knocking noises from ever happening in the first place is always easier than dealing with them later. Routine checkups help catch problems before they turn into weird sounds or sudden breakdowns. Even if your INFINITI is running smoothly, maintenance shouldn’t take a backseat.
Fuel choice matters. Stick with the right octane rating your engine was designed for. Using cheaper, lower-octane fuel may look fine on the receipt, but it could lead to knocking in the long run. Engine parts stay cleaner and perform better when you feed them what they’re meant to run on.
Oil changes also make a difference. Fresh, high-quality oil helps lubricate engine parts and keeps them from knocking together. The longer old oil sits in place, the thicker and dirtier it gets, leaving components less protected. That’s an easy way to get valve train tapping, especially in colder months.
Don’t ignore suspension sounds. Replacing struts, mounts, or rubber bushings may not feel urgent, but when they wear down, they can affect your control, ride comfort, and also lead to those knocking noises every time you hit a bump.
Make sure to add these to your maintenance habits:
- Use the correct fuel type specified for your INFINITI
- Stay current with oil changes and fluid checks
- Book seasonal inspections, especially after a tough winter or summer
- Rotate and inspect your tires regularly
- Replace suspension components before they wear out completely
These steps don’t just reduce noise. They keep your car safer and smoother on the road.
When Knocking Indicates Bigger Problems
Some knocking sounds signal bigger trouble that needs quick action. If you hear a deep knock from the engine that gets worse with speed or load, that could mean internal damage like worn bearings or piston slap. It’s not something that can wait.
Another red flag is constant knocking during idle or low-speed driving. It might point to valve issues or timing problems. Even if your car feels like it’s driving fine, continuing to run it without checking it out can lead to engine failure, especially if oil isn’t circulating properly or parts are out of sync.
If the knocking is paired with warning lights, engine hesitation, or changes in how the car drives, don’t delay. Give as much detail as possible so the technician can get to work diagnosing it. Try to describe:
- When the sound started and how often it happens
- Where it seems to be coming from
- Whether it gets louder, faster, or changes in pitch
- Any other changes you’ve noticed while driving
Details like these speed up the repair process and reduce guesswork. You don’t need to know every technical term. Just be specific about what you hear and feel.
Keep Your Ears Open and Your INFINITI in Check
Knocking sounds are your car’s way of asking for attention. They don’t always mean emergency repairs, but they should never be ignored. Whether it’s loose suspension parts, engine concerns, or exhaust rattles, noises like these tend to show up before bigger problems do. The more familiar you are with your car’s sounds and how it handles, the sooner you’ll catch when something’s off.
Maintaining smooth performance means staying on top of simple habits like regular fuel-ups with the right grade, timely oil changes, and seasonal check-ins. Even small tasks like rotating your tires or replacing worn bushings help prevent noise from creeping in over time.
In a place like Queens, where road conditions shift and traffic can be hard on vehicles, it pays to take knocking sounds seriously and act early. Listening to your car when it talks, especially when it knocks, is one of the best ways to keep it happy on the road.
Keep your INFINITI in peak condition by staying alert to any signs it may give you, like unusual knocking sounds. If you’re thinking about upgrading your ride, take a look at our latest selection of INFINITI cars for sale to find the one that suits your needs and lifestyle. INFINITI City of Queens is here to help you stay confident and comfortable behind the wheel, every mile of the way.
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