Why Does my Car Sound Like an Airplane?
If your car sounds like an airplane taking off, you need to be careful. Unless your car has a jet engine under its bonnet, you could have a serious mechanical problem that needs attention as soon as possible. If you notice it gets worse when you go change gear or accelerate, this is something that you need to have looked at immediately. Loud noises from your car's engine should be worrying, so you need to know what's going on (or going wrong!).
Here at oneHOWTO, we share the main reasons why your car sounds like an airplane taking off. Some of them might be fixes you can do at home, but it's important you take the car to a professional mechanic in case you have an accident down the road.
What can make your car sound like an airplane taking off?
There are various possible reasons your car engine might sound like an airplane taking off. A loud roar that emerges in a sudden burst is not common to most passenger cars. If you are driving a superfast racing car such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, then it is possible the jet engine sound is simply a powerful car you are not used to. However, if you are in a Ferrari and aren't aware of its power, maybe you should be driving something more modest.
If your car sounds like a jet engine in stops and starts rather than one continuous noise, it's possible you have a leak in the exhaust. A hole in the exhaust system can amplify noises from the engine and make them louder. This is because the muffler or even DPF in a diesel engine could be faulty. If you catch this in time, it can be fixed fairly easily, but it will depend on the actual cause of the airplane noise. Mechanics can fit new exhaust pipes relatively easily.
These repairs are not too costly unless you have added new parts to your exhaust. Most commonly, the price ranges from about $100 to $600. Some vehicles have been modified, however. In these cases, you may need more work and more expensive parts to fix the problem. Make sure to ask your mechanic about pricing. Additionally, ensuring regular maintenance can prevent such issues altogether.
If the problem is related to the catalytic converter or exhaust, you should be able to fix it fairly easily. If the problem is a DPF in a diesel engine, then replacement might be more expensive. It should be noted that neglecting these issues could lead to larger, costlier problems down the line.
Aftermarket parts and engine problems
Many mechanics have to deal with these problems on a regular basis. Some say that the airplane noises coming from your car could be an aftermarket part issue. An aftermarket part is any car part which has been added to the car but is not made by the company's original manufacturer. While many parts can be used on various cars, some makes and models require more specific parts. Aftermarket parts may work in the short term, but they may not be ideal for your car's long-term health.
If you have recently made some changes to your car and used aftermarket parts, have them checked out by a mechanic. They should be able to troubleshoot the problem. Unfortunately, some parts are easier to replace than others. If the problem is with your alternator or the drive belt is loose or damaged, you may need to shell out quite a bit of money. Make sure you are prepared for it if so. Furthermore, the compatibility of these parts with your car's original components is crucial to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Wheel bearings
The brand and type of tires that you have could also make your car sound like an airplane. More likely, however, is a problem with the wheel bearings. If there is a problem with the wheel bearings, the sound will be like a continuous hum or growl. Not only will this humming noise get louder over time, but it will probably increase in pitch and volume as you accelerate. If your car sounds like an airplane when you accelerate, then get your wheel bearings checked.
The problem with wheel bearings is that they are sealed when the car is manufactured. However, over time, the seal might come away, and the wheel bearings may become loose. Make sure that you have the wheel bearings and their seals checked out when you see your mechanic. If you do not get your wheel bearings checked in time, it could lead to serious damage which may even be irreparable. In this regard, regular inspections can help detect such issues early.
Steering column issues
If you noticed that the seal on your steering column has become loose, this can cause a loud airplane noise as well. Take it to your mechanic and have them reseal the column. This should eliminate the noise and get you back on the road safe. Additionally, ensuring that all related components are in good working condition can prevent future issues.
Keep your car well maintained
Apart from wheel bearings, another common reason your car sounds like an airplane taking off is due to your cooling fan. The cooling fan, or radiator fan, is there to prevent your car from overheating. If there is a problem with it, it can make a noise while it is spinning. If one of the blades of the fan is bent, the bent blade might hit repeatedly off something else in the engine and make a terrible racket. You may be able to fix the blade, but a new fan may also be necessary.
If the problem is the cooling fan, you need to have it addressed quickly. If the radiator fan doesn't work, you run the risk of overheating the engine which can lead to a multitude of problems. Also, you should look for any other symptoms of problems with the car as it may lead to an accident. Moreover, regular checks of your car's cooling system can help prevent overheating issues.
As with any mechanical problem, the sooner you identify the cause and get it fixed, the cheaper it is likely to be. If your car begins to make strange noises, get it checked out straightaway with a mechanic you can trust. With the proper care for your car and the right mechanic, you can find out why your car sounds like an airplane and sort the issue out before any serious damage occurs.
If your car has other issues such as excessive vibration or jerking, we have plenty of other articles to help you diagnose the problem. If you still haven't identified the noise, check out the following articles:
It's essential to keep your car well-maintained to prevent such noises in the first place. Regular check-ups and timely repairs can ensure your vehicle remains in top condition.
If you want to read similar articles to Why Does my Car Sound Like an Airplane?, we recommend you visit our Car Maintenance and Repair category.
