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Ticking Noise After Switching Off The Engine

A slow ticking or pinging under the car after you switch off is almost always the exhaust and heat shields contracting as they cool down. It is normal.

Normal risk

Normal in almost all cases. Only check further if it comes with a smell, steam or a hissing sound.

Short answer · Why does my car tick after I turn it off?

The exhaust system gets very hot when you drive. When the engine stops, the metal pipes, catalytic converter and heat shields cool and shrink at different rates, which makes ticking or pinging sounds for several minutes. Electric fans or pumps that run on are also normal on many cars.

On this page

Safe checks you can do

  1. Notice where it comes fromUnder the middle of the car near the exhaust: normal cooling.
  2. Check for a smell or steamA sweet smell or steam with hissing is a coolant issue, not cooling metal.
  3. Note how long it lastsCooling ticks fade within a few minutes.

Questions that narrow it down

  1. Is there a hissing sound too?See hissing after engine off; it can be coolant pressure.
  2. Is the fan running?Many cars run the fan after switch-off to cool the engine.
  3. Does it happen after short trips too?Less heat means fewer ticks; that is normal.

Possible causes

Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.

  1. Exhaust coolingMetal contracts and ticks.
  2. Heat shields coolingThin shields ping as they shrink.
  3. Turbocharger coolingHot parts around the turbo tick.
  4. After-run pumps or fansElectric parts that run briefly by design.

Questions about Ticking Noise After Switching Off The Engine

Is it bad for the car?

No. It is a normal effect of heat.

Why is it louder after motorway driving?

The exhaust is hotter, so it contracts more.