Automotive: Common Culprits of Engine Knocking
A problem most motorists will experience at one time or another with their vehicle is engine knocking. Nevertheless, not many people are aware what this auto problem is or the reason why it comes about in the first place. The first thing to note is that engine knocking is also referred to as engine detonation or engine pinging. When the engine is working at optimum, the fuel will combust in a single ball of fire within the cylinder. When your vehicle develops engine knocks, the issue springs up when the air and the fuel in the cylinder are mixed incorrectly, which causes uneven burning of the fuel. As such, the fuel will be burning in individual air pockets that cause shocks to ignite the next air pocket—hence, the pinging noise that becomes resonant when your engine develops this problem. Below are some of the most common culprits of an engine knock.
Your fuel's octane rating is low
Your fuel's octane rating is also referred to as its Anti-Knock Index (AKI). Different types of vehicles will have their own recommended AKI rating for their fuel to ensure optimum performance. In the event that you fill your tank with fuel that has a lower octane rating than is recommended for your vehicle, your engine is at risk of developing a knock.
Luckily, in the event that you were not aware that the octane rating was low, you could always purchase an octane booster that will enhance the fuel inside your vehicle to allow for optimum driving performance.
However, if you find that you are using fuel with the right octane rating but are still experiencing engine knocking, then it would be advisable to have a mechanic determine the cause of the problem before it causes the need for engine repairs.
Your cylinder walls have accumulated carbon deposits
One little-known fact about fuel is that they tend to contain a certain amount of carbon cleaning detergent. This is to slow down the development of carbon deposits in the cylinder. Nevertheless, the carbon cleaning detergent does not totally eliminate these deposits. Therefore, they will eventually begin to accumulate within your engine's cylinder.
The longer the carbon deposits are left to accumulate, the more the volume within the cylinder decreases. This, in turn, increases the amount of compression within the cylinder, making your engine susceptible to knocking.
If your vehicle is particularly susceptible to engine knocks, it may be advisable to consider adding some carbon cleaning detergent every single time you fill up your fuel tank.
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