Is your car making unusual sounds?
Car noises can mean a host of things depending when they happen and where they come from. Here is and indication as to what some of those noises could mean.
Making a noise when idling?
Clicking – if you start your car and it continues to make a clicking sound after you’ve let it sit for a while, it could be a sign of low oil pressure, which will need some professional attention sooner rather than later.
Hissing – if there’s a hissing sound coming from under your bonnet while your vehicle is idling, your engine might be overheating, which can be a serious problem. However, it could also mean that you’ve got a vacuum leak somewhere, which should be easy to fix once you’ve managed to locate it.
Making a noise when accelerating?
Slapping – if you can hear a slapping sound that seems to increase in tempo as you increase your speed, one of your tyres could be on its last legs. Driving on a flat or damaged tyre can cause lasting damage to your wheels so if the slapping starts, stop driving.
Grinding – if your gear stick is grinding while you’re shifting up through the gears, it could mean your clutch is worn out or your shift linkage needs adjusting. Grinding could also signify a deeper problem within the transmission.
Chirping – if you hear a chirping sound coming from your wheel that changes when you accelerate it usually means that a wheel bearing or axle is starting to fail, so get this seen to before it makes your wheels lock up or loosen.
My car is making a noise when cruising
Squealing – a high-pitched squealing when you’re driving could well that your accessory belt (or “V-belt”) is on its way out and needing replacing. If your belt breaks or snaps then your car won’t run anymore and you could cause more serious damage, so get it looked at as soon as possible to avoid a breakdown.
Rattling – if you hear a rattling when you’re driving unfortunately it can be difficult to pin down the problem as it can mean a number of things depending on where the sound is coming from. If the rattle is underneath your car, that could mean a loose exhaust system component or a broken catalytic converter, which would both require a mechanic’s attention. If something under the bonnet is rattling, it could be anything from problems with oil level to a bad fan clutch, so if the noise persists book your vehicle in at a service centre. If the rattling is coming from inside the car, then it could simply be a loose bit of plastic or even something clattering around in your glove compartment.
Ticking – a ticking coming from under the bonnet can mean that the engine is low on oil, so make sure you check your levels before heading to the garage. If your oil levels are fine, then a ticking or tapping could mean a deeper issue with your valve train.
Noises when turning
Grinding – if you’re running low on power steering fluid, you could hear a grinding noise caused by air bubbles trapped in the fluid.
Clicking – if you’re taking a tight turn at low speed and your car is making a grinding noise, which could mean that your CV axle (which connects the wheels to the transmission) is damaged or worn out. A worn-out CV joint needs replacing immediately so book your vehicle in at a reputable service centre.
Making a noise when braking
Squeaking – if your car squeaks or squeals when you apply the brakes your brake pads require replacing. Brake pads have built-in indicators which alerts drivers when they wear down. Have them replaced at a service centre near you.
Grinding – if you hear the brakes grinding it probably means you’ve missed the squeaking warning signs and have waited too long to replace your brake pads. You need to book your car in as soon as possible.
Clicking – a clicking or scraping in your brakes could mean that one or more components in your braking system is damaged, or it could mean that there is a stone or something stuck in your brake. Either way, it’s advisable to book your vehicle in and have a professional check things over to prevent any long-term damage.
Making a noise after the engine is turned off
Clicking – if your car makes a metallic clicking sound after you switch off the engine, it’s probably just the sound of the engine cooling down. It should stop on its own relatively quickly.
Hissing – a hissing or sizzling sound coming from under the bonnet when you’ve shut the engine off isn’t a good sign because it means something somewhere is leaking onto a heated engine component. Be careful investigating under the bonnet in case you get burnt. Book your vehicle in at a professional service centre.
Should you hear any other unusual sounds emanating from your vehicle get it checked out by the professionals.
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