Key takeaways
- More engine noise at high mileage usually has a cause you can check first: oil level and grade, a ticking exhaust leak, a loose belt, a worn chain or valve train.
- A deep knock, metallic grinding or an oil pressure warning means stop driving and get the car inspected.
- XADO says its Twin Turbo engine treatment is designed to reduce noise and vibration in worn engines. It does not repair broken parts.
An engine that sounds louder than it used to is common in a high-mileage car, and not always serious. The type of sound, and when it happens, tells you a lot. Below are the usual causes, what to check yourself, when to stop, and what XADO says its engine treatment is designed to do.
What can make a high-mileage engine noisier?
- Low or old oil. Thin, dirty or low oil gives less cushioning between moving parts, and the engine sounds rougher or ticks, especially when cold.
- Valve train noise. A light tick from the top of the engine can come from worn lifters, rockers or valve clearance.
- A stretched timing chain or worn tensioner. This often shows as a rattle for a few seconds at cold start.
- An exhaust leak. A ticking near the manifold that fades as the engine warms up and the metal expands.
- A worn belt or accessory bearing. Squeals, chirps or a whine from the alternator, water pump or tensioner pulley.
- Worn internal parts. A deeper knock under load can point to bearing wear and is the one to take seriously.
What to check first
- Check the oil level on a level surface with the engine off, using the dipstick. Top up to the mark with the grade in your owner's manual.
- Look at the oil. Very dark, gritty or thin oil, or a service that is overdue, is an easy first fix.
- Note when it happens. Cold start only, warm only, at idle, or under acceleration each points to different causes.
- Note where it comes from. Top of the engine, front belts, underneath or the exhaust side.
- Check for warning lights and for oil or coolant leaks under the car.
Not sure what the sound is? Ask an authorised XADO workshop to listen and check the engine first.
Find a workshopWhen should you stop driving?
Stop and get the car inspected, or towed, if you hear a deep knock under load, metallic grinding, or if the oil pressure warning light comes on. Driving on can turn a repairable fault into engine damage.
What XADO says its engine treatment does
XADO's own symptom list for a worn engine includes lower compression, more noise, rising fuel consumption and oil burning (see how XADO works). The product guide lists XADO Atomic Metal Conditioner 1 Stage Maximum 'Twin Turbo' for high-mileage cars and cars showing power loss or rising oil use. According to XADO, it is:
- designed to reduce noise and vibration;
- designed to level and raise cylinder compression and restore oil pressure;
- able to heal friction-surface damage up to 0.2 mm deep, says XADO.
These are XADO's own statements. XADO describes revitalization as a gradual process activated by the heat and friction of normal driving, so any change builds up over time rather than at once. Results depend on the condition of your engine, your oil and your maintenance history.
What no additive can do
- It will not repair a broken timing chain, a failed tensioner or a worn-through bearing.
- It will not fix an exhaust leak or a loose belt.
- It will not replace oil that is old, low or the wrong grade.
- It is not a reason to skip your service schedule.
When it makes sense to ask about one
Ask about a treatment when the oil level and grade are right, there is no leak or warning light, a workshop has ruled out a broken part, and you plan to keep the car. If the engine is also burning oil, see older car burning oil before COE renewal. Singapore's stop-go driving adds to wear, as explained in how stop-go traffic wears your engine. The XADO product guide shows the whole range.
How to get it done in Singapore
- Have the noise checked first by a workshop you trust.
- Ask an authorised XADO workshop about treatment at your next oil change, and name the product: Twin Turbo.
- You can also see the product online: XADO Atomic Metal Conditioner 1 Stage Maximum Twin Turbo.
Want XADO at your own workshop? XADO Singapore will contact them.
FAQs
Why is my engine getting noisier as the car gets older?
Common causes are low or old oil, a ticking valve train, a stretched timing chain, an exhaust leak, a worn belt or accessory bearing, and in serious cases worn internal parts. The sound's type and timing help narrow it down.
Is a ticking noise from a high-mileage engine serious?
It depends. A light tick that fades as the engine warms up is often minor, such as an exhaust leak or valve train noise. A deep knock under load, a metallic grinding or an oil pressure warning is serious: stop driving and have the car towed or inspected.
Can an oil change make the engine quieter?
Fresh oil at the right grade and level can reduce noise if old or low oil was the cause. Check the level and condition first, and follow your owner's manual for the grade.
What does XADO say its Twin Turbo treatment does for noise?
XADO describes its Atomic Metal Conditioner 1 Stage Maximum 'Twin Turbo' as designed to reduce noise and vibration, level and raise cylinder compression and restore oil pressure, and says it heals friction-surface damage up to 0.2 mm deep. These are XADO's own statements, and results depend on engine condition.
Can an additive fix a broken timing chain or a failed bearing?
No. XADO does not repair broken or worn-through parts. A failed chain, tensioner, bearing or a leak needs a proper repair.
