Posted on 2/27/2026
An exhaust rattle can be one of the most annoying noises because it often shows up at the exact RPM you use every day. The car might sound fine at idle, then buzz or clatter when you pull away from a stop or cruise up a hill. Sometimes it is harmless, and sometimes it is the first sign a part is coming loose. The quickest way to solve it is to figure out what is actually rattling and when it happens. Where Exhaust Rattles Usually Come From Most exhaust rattles come from parts that are meant to be tight but have a little extra movement. Heat cycles expand and contract metal, so bolts loosen over time and thin brackets fatigue. Road salt, water, and normal vibration speed that up. A rattle can also be caused by the exhaust shifting slightly and tapping the body, a crossmember, or a heat shield. The frustrating part is that the sound can travel. A rattle you hear under the center of the car might actually be coming from the front. That is why pinpointing the exact spo ... read more