Exhaust ticks and pings and other noises

[asdf]

My car also makes the pinging/ticking cooling sounds after it is fully warmed up and idling. Should this be happening when the car is still on?

[denverpete]

Metal expands when heated - contracts when cooling. So the short answer is yes.

The first thing to remember is that you're hearing/experiencing a lot of stuff with the top down that you'd never notice in a coupe or sedan. I used to freak out in my Jeep (top and doors off) because I all of a sudden smelled frying brakes or burning oil. It's never been me (although it's always good to make sure you didn't drive off with the parking brake engaged) - but with the top down you catch whiffs of that stuff.

I think you'll also notice that once the car has been run for awhile you won't hear as many ticks as it sits at a light.

Relax.