Noisy engine between 40-70 MPH?

KELLY PEARSON

MEMBER
2010 RENAULT CLIO
1.5L
MANUAL
96,000 MILES

When I reach around 40 MPH the car gets really noisy. Not rattling or anything like that. Just sounds loud. After 70 MPH it quiets down. I’ve only had the car just over a week from a private seller so not sure if it’s always been like this and if it’s normal. I’ve never had a car that noisy before. Other than the noise, the car seems to drive fine. Any idea if this is normal?

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 12:55 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,087 POSTS

Hi Kelly,

Please understand, this vehicle isn't offered in the US, but I will still try my best to help.

Can you describe the sound you are hearing? For example, could it be noise from an air leak at a window or weather stripping? Could it be described as a humming sound? When you hear it, is there anything you do that changes it such as applying the brakes or turning? Also, is it loud enough for you to record and upload for me to hear? I may be able to recognize it.

It's odd for noise to come and go at only that speed. One would think it would be louder at a higher speed.

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 7:56 PM

KELLY PEARSON

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hiya Joe,

The only way I can describe it is like the actual noise from the engine gets louder. No rattles, it just sounds � beefy’ if you know what I mean. I did ready something about there could be an issue with the muffler? But not really sure what that is.

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Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 AT 11:41 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,087 POSTS

Hi,

I understand. Kelly, the muffler wouldn't be affected by speed. It could be by engine RPMs. Pay attention to see if it seems to happen at a specific RPM.

The muffler is part of the exhaust system that is used to quiet the engine. If it was faulty, I feel it would be louder all the time. I found a pic online of the muffler and attached it below. So, you have a better understanding of what the part looks like. If you check under your vehicle, you should see something very similar to the pic.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)