What causes my car to ping?

Answer by  shorty92 (54)

I could be a number of things, If it only happens while turning orbreaking than could be a lose wheel bearing or more commonly on older cars will be control arm bushing that are worn out.

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

That's called spark knock, or detonaation. Normally, the charge of fuel and air in teh combustion chamber should burn smoothly. If it explodes all at once, it's bad for the engine and causes that noise. Try using a higher octane gasoline. If that doesn't work, have the car serviced. It could break a rod.

Answer by  jon40 (440)

Well if you have a high compression motor and you are running 87 octane it will cause pre-detenation and make that type of noise check what gas the manf recommends

Answer by  splicelover (176)

some causes is thet you are using a type of octane not recommended or there are problems with your engines valve springs.

Answer by  MarkGress (479)

A car can ping due to bad fuel, low octane fuel, timing advanced to high, or a bad engine. In newer cars, knock sensors are present to help eliminate the possibility of engine damage.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Pinging could mean a couple of thing. If it pings when shut off after running that is usually just the exhaust shield contracting. If it does it while running then it may be a sign of detonation from running too low of octane gas.

Answer by  heather88 (1897)

You need to have it checked out by a professional. It might be something serious. Don't let it go unchecked. Take it in before it becomes a real problem for you.