What causes ignition knock?

Ignition knock, also known as engine knock or detonation, occurs when the air-fuel mixture in an engine's cylinder ignites prematurely or unevenly. This can be caused by factors such as using low-octane fuel, excessive engine heat, incorrect ignition timing, or carbon deposits in the combustion chamber that create hot spots. The resulting uneven combustion can lead to a knocking or pinging sound and can damage engine components over time. To prevent ignition knock, it's important to use the appropriate fuel and maintain the engine properly.