Q: My car is making a loud grinding noise when idle.

asked by on December 11, 2016

It seems like the noise lessens or temporary goes away when I turn off the heat. But when I'm parked and car is on, the floor rattles. When I'm on the road it's gone. My engine light came on . I'm really concerned as I just bought the car. I also know there is a leak problem with the back tire
My car has an automatic transmission.

Engine Mount Replacement $132.06 - $1865.27 Get a Quote
Spare Tire Installation $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Check the engine and transmission mounts for any looseness or damage. As the vehicle ages, the mounts tend to wear out causing the engine and transmission to vibrate the cab. When the heat is off, the squirrel cage to the heater could be also contributing to a vibration. For the leaking tire, air up the tire and spray the tire with soap and water. The soap water will bubble up when a leak is detected. Keep in mind, if there is a side wall or on the tread by the side wall of a tire leaking, then the tire must be replaced. If you need further assistance with a vibration in your car and a leaking tire, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Oil mixing in with coolant, No overheating. Car performs fine.
If you are seeing oil in the water it could indicate a blown head gasket and should be looked at by a technician. I would not drive the car until you fix the problem because a blown head gasket could...
Car stuck in neutral, shifter is in park.
It sounds like your shifter cable may have come loose or may have broke. I would have your mechanic come out and inspect the car's gear shifting problem (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-hard-to-shift-inspection).
Advice on deciding to buy a car, among BMW, Mazda, Toyota and Toyota hybrid
I'm not a hybrid fan, because they are so complex, and when they break, many cost a fortune to fix. That is the only car Toyota makes that I advise people not to buy. I wouldn't go for it unless...
after accident in passenger rear door car won't start
Hi there. In the event that there is a car crash, the inertia switch will activate and cut the fuel system off to keep the fuel system from pumping fuel to prevent any fires. Check the switch, either under the...
My car's Check Engine Light and EPC dash lights are on. And shakes in idle after driving through a flooded street.
Hello, The check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) may have come on for many different reasons, however most likely as a result of driving down a flooded street, this may have caused various sensors to get wet triggering the rough idle. The...
Misfire on cylinder 2
Compression in cylinder No. 2 should be tested. If compression is within spec, a possibility is an oil leak into cylinder no. 2. With regard to the fuel injector, verify its operation as, although the injector may be new, the...
What does it mean to "Service Tire Monitor System"?
Hi Marguerite. Thanks for contacting us this morning. The tire monitoring system or TMPS is designed to keep track of tire pressure on each of your four tires. When this warning light illuminates, it typically means that one of these...
My 2008 Prius is shaking very badly in the last 24 hrs. and we've hit nothing.
Hi Laurie. Thanks for contacting us today. Based on your feedback, you have a rather serious suspension or steering component failure. I would strongly recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an on-site inspection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-shaking-or-vibrating-inspection)...
I have a 2006 Infiniti g35x sedan awd , I have this humming like buzzing loud sound coming from what seems to be from the left sid
When the brakes are released the distance that the piston moves when it retracts into the caliper bore is very small because it is necessary for the pads to remain in as close contact as possible with the rotors. The...

Related articles

How Does an Engine Idle High and Low?
A common problem that car owners experience is high or low engine idle. A damaged intake gasket, cold air intake, or PCV valve can cause idle issues.
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-250
When When it comes to large, heavy-duty pickup trucks, the 2012 Ford F-250 only has two competitors – the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the Dodge Ram 2500/3500. Though the F-250 doesn’t outperform the Ram in the towing department, it certainly...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Ford Ranger
The The 2011 Ford Ranger offers affordable pricing with excellent styling. It is a compact pickup that is both inexpensive to operate and own. The vehicle is capable of going off-road while still being able to tow 1,600 to 3,100...