Key Takeaways:
• A chirping noise from your car’s wheels may indicate that the bearings need to be repaired or replaced.
• If your brakes make a scraping or grinding noise, the brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.
• A hissing sound from the engine compartment means the cooling system is leaking coolant.
• A loose serpentine belt may cause engine chirping.
• Clicking noise from the engine usually indicates low oil pressure.
• An exhaust leak will cause roaring while driving and should be fixed as soon as possible.
• A squeaking sound when turning may mean that there is an issue with the power steering system.
So, your car’s been making some strange noises lately. It’s been driving you crazy trying to figure out what it could be, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. You’re not a mechanic, so you don’t know where to start. Well, never fear – we’re here to help!
In this post, Lynn Layton Ford will outline the most common car noises that could mean trouble and how you can fix them. Keep reading to learn more!
Noise 01: Chirping or Squealing Noise from Wheels
A failed wheel bearing or axle bearing is sometimes indicated by a cyclical chirping or squealing sound emanating from the wheel(s) region. This kind of noise often changes with the car’s speed and may appear and disappear at different speeds. It’s important to pay attention to this noise since ignoring it might result in the wheel locking up or even coming off your automobile if the bearing breaks.
If you hear this chirping noise, have your car brought in to a qualified mechanic and have them check the bearings. Many times, they can be easily repaired or replaced.
Noise 02: Scraping or Grinding Noise When Braking
When the brake pads are moist, brakes occasionally groan or creak. Some brake pad types—particularly semi-metallic pads—may squeal or squeak when they are cold.
If you hear metallic grinding or scraping noises when you brake, your brake pads are worn out. Replace your brakes right away since old ones might not be able to stop your car at a safe distance. If the brakes are so worn down, there is a chance that the remaining friction material on the pads might detach from the supporting plate, perhaps resulting in the brakes failing. The rotors suffer a great deal of harm from metal-to-metal contact.
Noise 03: Hissing Sound from Engine Bay
While driving or after switching off the engine, if you continuously hear a hissing sound coming from the engine compartment, your engine may be overheating, or the cooling system may leak coolant. Check the temperature gauge or warning light to determine whether an overheating condition is present. If you observe steam, stop driving immediately since extreme overheating might harm your engine.
Stop your automobile, then cautiously lift the hood. Check the engine, radiator, and heater hoses for any signs of coolant leakage. The cooling system loses coolant if you see steam or a pleasant odor.
If you discover fluid leakage, the car part might need to be replaced or repaired. Sometimes, it could just be a loose hose clamp that needs to be tightened. You can try to do this independently, but if you’re not experienced with cars, it’s best to bring your car to us.
Noise 04: Chirping Noise From The Engine
Engine chirping might sound squeaky or like a bird stuck beneath your hood. Depending on your driving, the chirps may arise spontaneously and at different frequencies.
A loose or damaged serpentine belt probably causes a chirping noise from your engine. The serpentine belt helps run various systems in your cars, such as the power steering, air conditioning, and alternator.
While some car belts can be adjusted, some need to be replaced. Unrepaired loose belts can harm an engine permanently. Belts that have worn out too much risk breaking while you’re driving.
Noise 05: Clicking or Tapping Noise from Engine
Clicking noise from your engine is usually a warning sign of low oil pressure. When the oil pressure becomes too low, it can’t lubricate the engine’s moving parts properly.
This lack of lubrication will cause those parts to grind, eventually leading to serious engine damage.
Stop the car engine and let it sit for a time to allow the oil to flow back into the crankcase. Then check the engine oil level on the dipstick. If the level is low, add oil as necessary to restore it to the full mark. Avoid adding too much oil to the crankcase. In addition, look for oil leaks in the engine. Engine oil can escape due to the worn valve covers and pan gaskets, leaking crankshaft end seals, and other factors.
Driving your car is not recommended if the noise persists or the oil pressure gauge or warning light shows low oil pressure. Oil pressure loss may harm an engine severely and cost money.
Noise 06: Roar While Driving
When you accelerate, the exhaust noise from under your car will be the loudest if your exhaust system leaks. Although the noise won’t harm you, it does indicate that your exhaust system needs to be repaired (probably a new muffler or pipes). The risk arises if the carbon monoxide-containing exhaust gases, which are leaking, enter the passenger area.
Your exhaust system has to be checked out and fixed as soon as possible. Gaskets on the exhaust manifold, fractures in the exhaust manifold, connections between exhaust pipes, rusted-through pipes, and corroded-out mufflers are some examples of exhaust system parts that often leak.
Noise 07: Squeaking When Turning
The squeaking sound will be audible in the front of the automobile, from the area around the steering column to the wheels. This noise indicates that the power steering system needs to be repaired. The screeching may be a sign of insufficient power steering fluid.
There is no reason to be so concerned. Open the hood, check the power steering fluid level, and top it off. Doing so typically resolves this problem. However, if you continue to hear this troubling noise, you might need to go to the closest mechanic. The power steering cables may be damaged.
So, the next time you hear these car noises, don’t panic. Calm down, take a deep breath, and identify the sound. With some detective work, you can figure out what’s wrong and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
And if you’re not sure what to do, then Lynn Layton Ford, serving Tanner, AL, is here to help! We have the proper components, equipment, and technicians to assist in identifying and correcting these troubling car noises.
Connect with us
