Make/Model: Used 2008 Mazda 3 Hatchback with 78,000 miles

Problem: Yesterday I was driving on the highway for about 20 minutes, hit 80 mph for a few minutes, and started hearing ticking/knocking noises from right passenger side near tire. Sounded almost like I was driving over gravel. Check engine light immediately came on. Not good.

Oil: Changed 3 weeks ago

Brakes: Brand new when I purchased it last summer

Tires: Somewhat new, tread still looks good, have not rotated them or changed them out so wouldn't think it was a loose lug but haven't checked

Now, my check engine light usually lights up after I fill up gas so the fuel cap will trigger it every time. This goes away after driving a few miles. I hadn't refueled that day so I'm sure it wasn't the cap this time.

I drove for a few more minutes waiting to see if the noise would go away. I slowed down to 65-70 mph and then pulled off the road. Checked tire pressure, it was 32 psi which is normal. Didn't see anything stuck or anything unusual around tire. Got back on highway but I was weary of going faster than 70 mph. The car only made that noise when I went above 75-80mph so I wasn't about to test it since I needed to be somewhere and also drive back home. Under 75 mph the transmission doesn't seem to be making any noise.

What could this possibly be? Engine related? Tire related? Read about the VVT issue but this wasn't when I started the car. It had been running for 20 minutes at that point.

 

Get a code check & go from there.