OK, this may sound pretty dumb, but what exactly does it sound like when the engine is pinging? Is it a high pitch sound that is very noticeable? Just wondering because of all the complaints about it lately. I don't think my car does it, but I want to be sure

 

Imagine the sound of a coffee can full of marbles being shaken. I would seriously doubt your vehicle would pre-ignite even using the cheapest of gas, or not for long anyway before the ECU retarded the timing. Unless your knock sensor is bad, and your using the above-mentioned cheap gas you should be ok. Pre-ignition is cause by the fuel air mixture ignighting prior to the spark plug firing, causing the two flame fronts to collide. This is not good for the engine as it puts undue stress on the pistons and can even hole a piston under extreme conditions. Reasons stem from something in the cylinder ignighting the fuel such as a worn spark plug electrode or protruding head gasket (retaining enough heat to touch off ignition), also the engines timing could be advanced to far causing the plug to fire the cylinders prior to TDC (top dead center) although in reality they do fire before TDC (inertia and time lag for the fuels ignition).

 

To me it always sounded like bottles rattling against each other.

 

Thanks.....I know how it happens and what causes it...I just wanted to know what it sounded like exactly in this engine....Bottles rattling against eachother and shaking a can full of marbles seem that it would be quite noticeable.....I don't think I have to worry about anything then....I always use 93 octane anyways...Thanks again

 

I would describe is as a "tick tick tick" or sometimes "TAP TAP TAP"

I think I have some engine knock on cold start-ups. It happens for about 2-3seconds after I crank the engine. Just hear a slight "tick tick tick." Never noticed this when the weather in 30+degrees though.