Question: I’ve recently noticed that when I’m driving—and especially if I’m accelerating or on the highway—my car makes a lot of noise, like a motorbike or something. Why does my car suddenly sound like a motorcycle?
Answer: If your vehicle has been loud since you bought it, it might be equipped with aftermarket modifications like a new muffler or headers that give it an intentional rumble. But if your car is suddenly starting to sound like a motorcycle, it usually has something to do with the exhaust.
Here are some of the components that may lead to motorcycle-like sounds coming from your engine:
Exhaust
Your exhaust system helps move the vehicle’s gas emissions away from the cabin and toward the back of the vehicle. As it does so, the exhaust helps process those gasses to be less toxic to the environment.
The exhaust also helps dampen noise from your engine. Even a small hole or leak somewhere in the exhaust system can lead your engine to make loud, roaring noises. Loud sounds can also result from loose components, like the exhaust pipe.
If you suspect problems with your vehicle’s exhaust system, take your car to a mechanic right away.
Resonator
Your resonator is a part of the muffler—its purpose is to decrease noise from your engine. If the resonator is damaged, you’ll likely notice that your engine is much louder than usual.
Problems with your resonator can also lead to decreased performance and overall fuel efficiency. You might also notice an unpleasant smell coming from your vehicle.
Catalytic converter
Your catalytic converter is responsible for converting toxic exhaust gasses, making them safer to release into the atmosphere. If your catalytic converter is damaged or missing—they’re a common target for thieves—you’ll likely hear louder noises coming from your engine.
If the loud sounds coming from your engine are due to catalytic converter issues, you might also notice sluggish acceleration, decreased fuel efficiency, misfiring, or a sulfur smell.
Air filter
If you don’t change out your air filter, it can become clogged with dirt and debris. This will prevent the correct amount of air from reaching your engine, which can lead to it working harder and loud sounds.
Check your owner’s manual for how often you should change your air filter—it’s usually about once a year, or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Spark plugs
If your spark plugs are worn out, your car may misfire when you try to drive it. This can lead to a choppy sound like a helicopter or motorcycle.
If spark plugs are the issue, you’ll probably notice other problems, like it being hard to start your car or it feeling like the car shakes more than usual when the engine is running.
Bottom line: If your car is making sounds like a motorcycle, take it in to be serviced right away. Many of these issues will only get worse if you ignore them, potentially leading to much more expensive repairs.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
