Why does my Kia Stonic's engine make a knocking sound?

I've noticed that my Kia Stonic's engine is making a knocking sound when I start it up. It only lasts for a few seconds but it's quite concerning. What could be causing this and is it something I should be worried about?

It's possible that your engine oil level is low. When there isn't enough oil, the moving parts in the engine can cause a knocking sound. Check your oil levels and top up if necessary.

Another potential cause could be contaminated fuel. If you recently filled up at a gas station that had water or debris in their tanks, it could result in a knocking sound. Consider getting your fuel system cleaned to see if that resolves the issue.

It's also possible that there is an issue with your engine's timing. This could be caused by a faulty timing belt or improper adjustments. It's important to get this checked by a mechanic as it can lead to serious engine damage if left untreated.