9 Sounds That Spell Trouble For Your Car

Key Takeaways:

• When the car makes strange noises, it’s best to take it to a local mechanic to have them take a look.
• Brakes that screech, squeal, or grind are usually in need of service, as are engines that ping, knock or rattle.
• Exhaust systems that hiss, roar, or whistle indicate leaks, while fluids that leak, drip, or gurgle shows there might be a significant problem.
• When you turn your steering wheel, a grinding noise indicates that your power steering fluid is low.
• Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC offers car repair and maintenance services to customers in Winston Salem, NC, and the surrounding areas.

Your car is making a noise, and you’re not sure what it means. You might be wondering, “Is this something serious?” Most people probably don’t know what all of these car sounds mean. There are a lot of weird and potentially dangerous sounds your vehicle can make that you may not even be aware of. Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC will discuss the most common ones. If your car makes any of these noises, you must immediately take it in for a check-up at your local mechanic!

Different Car Noises And Their Meaning

You’re driving down the road and hearing a strange car noise. You can’t quite place it, but it’s not something you’ve heard before. What is it? And more importantly, is it something serious?

Here are the most common sounds your car might be making and what they could mean:

1. Loud Screeching Sound

You’re driving along when you hear a loud screeching sound. It’s so loud and unexpected that it makes you jump out of your seat. If this happens, it’s a clear sign that your brake pads must be replaced.

Brake noises can be an indication of a variety of problems, and they usually signal that your brakes need to be serviced. Built-in wear indicators in your brake pads are generally the source of high-pitch car noises, so you may require to change the pad. The scraping sound at the bottom could indicate that your brake pads have almost completely worn away, with the caliper grinding against the rotor. In any case, you’ll have to get new brakes as soon as possible.

2. Grinding Noise

A grinding noise when you shift gears is never a good sign. It could mean that your clutch is worn out or something is wrong with your transmission. It could be a severe problem, so it’s best to get it checked out by a local mechanic as soon as possible.

3. Humming Sound

The strange humming sound from under the hood might be due to a problem with your alternator belt. A loose belt can lead to all sorts of issues with your electrical system.

4. Clicking Noise

When you turn the steering wheel, a clicking noise could indicate that your power steering fluid is low. Clicking noise from your car’s engine could mean a problem with your fuel injectors. It should be checked out by a local mechanic, as it can cause all sorts of performance issues if left unchecked.

Your engine requires the correct proportion of fuel and air and a functioning spark plug to create the ignition. If any of these components is deficient, it may cause the rumble noises you experience at low RPMs.

5. Rumbling Sound

The problem might be with your fuel injectors if the car is rumbling and not running smoothly. A grime build-up can prevent the right amount of fuel from being delivered to the mixture. Occasionally, a commercial cleaning solution to your gas tank will clear this up. Another potential cause for oxygen deprivation could be a blocked air filter needing replacing. If it’s neither of these, it may be that the oxygen sensor needs changing as it might not be detecting correctly, resulting in an incorrect mix ratio.

In short, old or faulty spark plugs can be the source of your engine’s problems. If the spark plugs are not firing as required, it will cause imbalanced combustion in your machine, which results in a muffled noise. Usually, it is advised to change out your spark plugs every 30-40 thousand miles; however, you should always check your owner’s manual for detailed instructions specific to your car.

6. Rattling Noise

If you’re hearing a faint rattling noise, it might mean that there’s something loose in your engine. It could be bad bushings. Bushings are suspension system components usually made of rubber or another synthetic that work to cushion the different parts, reduce friction, and stop vibrations. Unfortunately, like most car parts made of rubber, these can break down and become brittle over time. A rattling sound could also signify that the sway bar links are damaged or that the struts, shocks, or ball joints need to be replaced.

It might be challenging to pinpoint a sound when you’re in the car, so performing a bounce test at home can be helpful. Press firmly on the front corner of the automobile and listen for the noise while it’s parked. It may not tell you which bushing needs to be changed, but it will confirm that your suspension is causing the rattling. Ideally, this should not make any rattling or knocking sound. Therefore if your test always produces noisy results, it’s time to visit the local mechanic.

7. Banging Noise

If you’re hearing a loud banging noise, it’s probably an indication that something is seriously wrong with your engine. It is a case where you should take your car to the nearest service station and have them take a look.

8. Clucking Noise

Clucking noises from your car’s engine could mean your oil level is low, so you should check it as soon as possible. If the oil level is accurate, then the problem might be with your oil pump. There could also be a severe problem with valves, connecting rods, or pistons.

9. Hissing Noise

A hissing noise could mean a leak in your radiator hose. Again, this is a severe problem, and you should immediately pull over and call for roadside assistance. Also, read our blog on the signs that your car’s radiator needs immediate attention.

There are some other car noises also that spell trouble. Click here to learn more.

Need Car Repair and Maintenance Services in Winston Salem, NC? No Problem!

If you’re noticing strange noises or problems with your car, contact Vann York Chevrolet Buick GMC, serving Winston Salem, NC. We’ll be happy to help diagnose the issue and fix it as quickly as possible. Plus, our service department is staffed by certified technicians who know Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles inside and out. So, we can take care of whether you need an oil change or a new transmission.

Schedule your service appointment today, and let us show you what quality automotive care is all about. Thanks for reading!

Posted in Blogs | Comments Off on 9 Sounds That Spell Trouble For Your Car