Car engines rarely operate without noise. Anyone who has been driving for a while knows what noises are normal for a car. However, sometimes these normal car sounds are joined by other noises. That may be an indicator of an underlying issue that needs your attention.
Problematic car sounds can vary from squeaking and ticking to clicking and grinding. Each sound indicates a different issue or multiple issues. This guide covers various car sounds that shouldn’t be ignored.
9 car sounds that should not be ignored
A car making clicking noises, growling brakes or a ticking sound in the engine while idling means there is something wrong with the vehicle and it needs to get repaired. The following are nine common problem car sounds, what they mean and how they can be fixed.
1. Squeaking or grinding noise
If you hear a squeaking or grinding noise from when you hit the brake, it means the brake pads or brake shoes might need a replacement. Moreover, a grinding or growling noise could also mean that the pads are worn out and the metal is rubbing against metal. Since these problems hinder braking, it is risky to ignore such sounds. Here are some common signs of bad brake pads.
On the other hand, if the grinding noise is coming from under the bonnet, it indicates a possible problem with the drive belt, alternator or water pump.
2. Ticking sound
Not changing car oil when needed can cause major problems in your vehicle’s engine. Usually, a ticking sound in the engine while idling indicates it’s running out of oil. This ticking sound comes from the pistons when the oil level is low. An engine is the heart of your vehicle and if the oil change intervals are far apart, it will go bad and there is no driving without a healthy engine.
3. Rattling noise
If you hear a rattling noise while driving it may be because of the exhaust pipes that are protected by heat shields. When these shields get loose they rattle. A rattling sound also indicates problems with brakes and the engine that should be addressed right away.
4. Whining sound
If you hear a whining noise when starting your car it means something has gone terribly wrong with an important component of the car’s engine. If you ignore this problem and drive while the car continued to make a whining sound, the important engine part will break down completely rendering an engine that doesn’t perform at the optimal level. To avoid this problem, go to an automotive expert as soon as you hear a whining sound.
5. Tyre noise
If you hear a strange squeaky sound coming from the car tyres while driving, it means there is a problem with the wheel alignment or suspension. Sometimes drivers aren’t sure if their tyre is making any unusual sound or if it has always been like that. To end this confusion, it’s a good idea to take a passenger who doesn’t travel in your car often to notice if they can hear any unusual sounds coming from the tyres. If they do, it’s time to visit a car expert.
6. Clicking noise when turning
If you are driving a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive and notice car sounds when you turn or corner the vehicle but don’t hear anything when driving straight, it means there is a problem with one or both of the constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle and they may need a replacement.
7. Shrieking sound
If your engine is shrieking for attention, it means you have a belt issue. A car’s engine has many rotating belts in addition to gaskets, wires and hoses. These belts can crack or stretch with the passage of time while circulating at higher speeds around the pulleys. Replacing weary belts on time is not only economical, but it also prevents your car from breaking down.
8. Squealing
A high-pitched squealing noise also means the serpentine belt has gone bad. The serpentine belt, also commonly known as the drive belt, is a belt on a car engine that works with the tensioner, idler and pulleys inside the attached drive belt system. Generally, the squealing noise happens when the rubber is stiff or when the tensioner fails because of inappropriate pressure.
The belt provides power for car air conditioning, it provides power to the alternator, the power steering, and sometimes to the cooling system water pump. If you ignore the squealing noise and don’t get the serpentine belt fixed, it will snap out totally leading to engine failure.
9. Knocking
If your engine is knocking continuously it means it’s low on fluids. A knocking sound might also occur if there is an issue with rod bearings. If that is the case, you will have to get a new engine. Nonetheless, if you observe car sounds keenly and catch problems at an early stage you can save yourself lots of money that would otherwise go to hefty car repairs.
That is all about unusual car sounds that shouldn’t be ignored for a perfectly running car. Please also keep in mind that with regular vehicle maintenance you will be able to catch the small problems and fix them before they transform into bigger problems and expensive repairs.
If your car continues to make problematic noises despite repairs or if you hear new sounds every now and then, that might mean its a good time to buy a new one. Here is a list of quality used cars to choose from:
- Buy used cars in Dubai
- Buy second-hand cars in Abu Dhabi
- Buy used cars in Sharjah
- Second-hand cars for sale in Ajman
Stay tuned to dubizzle auto blog for more on car sounds, car DIYs, road safety and much more.
Related Posts
