Car Noises To Be Aware Of
Sometimes, it seems as though our cars speak in their own language; a language filled with squeaks, squeals, roars, and bangs. To the untrained ear, these quickly become background noise until something out of the ordinary catches our attention. Even then, if you don't know what to listen for, it can be easy to let those sounds fade into the mix.
But while comprehending this automotive language can be difficult, it's important to listen when your car speaks! They are often trying to tell us that something is wrong. That's why today, we'll give you a lesson in car speaking.
Here are some car noises you should watch out for.
1) High-Pitched Squealing
If you hear a squealing noise coming from your car, it is likely that the serpentine belt is worn or cracked. Some vehicles have multiple belts, including a separate one for the air conditioning. If you only hear the noise when you turn on the air conditioning, then there is an issue with that belt. It is also possible that the belt does not have enough tension. This can be caused by the need for tension adjustment or a worn belt tensioner. If there is not enough tension, the belt will slip. This is similar to the squealing noise that tires make on asphalt when someone does a burnout.
2) Clicking Noise When Turning
If you hear a clicking noise when you turn your steering wheel, it is likely that the inner tie rod end is loose. The inner tie rod end connects the steering rack to the steering knuckle. It is possible that the outer tie rod ends are also worn. However, the noise will typically be heard when the inner tie rod ends are worn. The noise is a result of the end of the tie rod moving in and out of the knuckle when the steering wheel is turned. The motion is the result of the looseness of the connection. This can also cause steering play. The steering play can make the vehicle feel loose, and cause pulling. This can also be a sign of a worn-out CV joint. This is a crucial part of your car's drivetrain, and if left unchecked, it can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
3) Engine Knocking Noise
This noise is a result of a rod knocking. It can occur if the oil pressure is low, or if the oil is dirty. If the oil pressure is low, it can cause the connecting rods to knock. If the oil is dirty, it can cause the connecting rods to wear and eventually fail. It can also be a sign of pre-ignition or detonation. This can be caused by various factors such as low-quality fuel, dirty fuel injectors, or a malfunctioning engine component. It's important to have this checked by a mechanic to prevent engine damage.
4) Screeching or Grinding When Pressing the Brake Pedal
If you hear a screeching noise when you press the brake pedal, it can be a sign that your brake pads are worn out. When the brake pads wear out, they can make a screeching noise. If you hear this noise, you should have your brake pads replaced. If you hear a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign that the brake pads have worn down to the metal and are damaging the rotors. This can be dangerous and should be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
5) Rattling Noises
When the struts wear out, they can make a rattling noise. If you hear a rattling noise when you drive over bumps, it can be a sign that your car needs new struts.
Rattling sound from the exhaust: If you hear a rattling sound coming from the exhaust, it could indicate a loose or damaged muffler or exhaust pipe. This can affect the performance of your engine and should be checked by a mechanic.
6) Hissing Sounds
Hissing sound under the hood: If you hear a hissing sound coming from under the hood, it could indicate a leak in the vacuum system. If you hear a hissing sound coming from the engine area and notice that the engine temperature is rising, it could be a sign of a coolant leak. This can cause your engine to overheat and should be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
7) Whining Noise
If you hear a whining noise coming from the transmission, it could indicate low transmission fluid or a problem with the transmission itself. This can be a serious issue and should be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
8) Rumbling Tires
If you hear a rumbling noise while driving, it could be a sign of worn-out or unbalanced tires. This can affect your car's handling and increase the risk of a tire blowout. Have your tires checked and replaced if necessary.
Conclusion
Car noises can be indicative of many different things and can vary greatly in severity. It is important to pay attention to your car and get it serviced regularly to prevent any serious issues from arising. If you are ever unsure about a noise, it is best to consult with a professional mechanic. Any unusual noises coming from your car should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and ensure your safety on the road.
At Grease Monkey Garage, we can take a look at what's under the hood for you. We are a qualified auto repair shop in Las Vegas & Henderson and we’ll help you identify what the concerning noises mean.
Don't wait another minute, call Grease Monkey Garage today for experienced auto repair & maintenance services in Las Vegas & North Las Vegas at 702-478-7881 and in Henderson at 702-478-7027
