Key Takeaways:
- When your car makes unusual noises, it’s a good idea to have a local mechanic take a look.
- If your engine makes a noise like a coin sliding around in a clothes dryer, it might be overheating.
- Squeaking, grinding brakes, pinging, knocking, or rattling engines usually mean it’s time for maintenance.
- Exhaust leaks produce hissing, roaring, or whistling noises, while fluid leaks make dripping, gurgling sounds.
- A thumping noise from under your car’s hood is likely due to a loose fan belt.
- If your power steering fluid is insufficient, turning your car’s steering wheel will result in a grinding noise.
- Lake Elsinore Honda offers car repair or maintenance services to customers in Dutch Village, CA, and the surrounding areas.
There are a lot of strange and unusual noises your car can make, but not all of them should be ignored. These noises are often warning signs of bigger problems down the road. Knowing what these noises mean allows you to avoid costly repairs and keep your car running smoothly. Lake Elsinore Honda will discuss 11 of the most common car noises and what they mean for your vehicle. Keep reading to learn more!
11 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore
You suddenly hear an unusual sound coming from your automobile while driving. You’re unable to determine what caused it, and you begin to doubt if anything is wrong. Also, read our blog on the advantages of regular car maintenance to prevent car noise from originating.
The following are the most common noises your car makes, as well as their reasons:
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Grinding or Squealing Noise during Startup
If a grinding or squealing sound originates when your engine starts, your starter motor may be on its way out. Your car will not start if it stops working. It’s a major issue that demands immediate attention.
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Knocking Sound
A knocking noise from your car’s hood could signal that your engine is running low on oil. Engine oil helps to keep the engine’s moving parts lubricated and cool. If there isn’t enough oil, the engine parts can start to rub together and create a knocking noise.
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Hissing Noise from Engine Bay
A hissing noise coming from under your car’s hood could be a sign of a coolant leak. Coolant regulates the temperature in the vehicle and helps prevent it from overheating. If there is a leak in the cooling system, it could cause engine damage from overheating.
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Whining Noise at High Speeds
If you notice a whining noise while accelerating, the power steering pump might be malfunctioning. The power steering pump controls the amount of hydraulic fluid supplied to the power steering system, making steering easier. If the pump fails, steering can become complex and lead to additional issues.
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Screeching While Braking
If your brakes start making a screeching noise, it could signify that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. Brake pads are made of abrasive material that wears down over time with use. If they get too thin, they can make a screeching noise when they come in contact with the rotors. It is not necessarily a severe problem but should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
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Rattling at Slow Speed
The rattling noise from your car’s suspension is often caused by loose parts, such as shocks or struts. If this is what’s causing the noise, it should go away when driving faster. But if the rattling persists, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, like worn-out brake pads.
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Clicking Sound While Turning
The clicked noise is generally caused by a problem with the CV joint, a connection between the axle and the wheel that helps keep them connected. If the CV joint malfunctions, it will make a clicking sound when turning. It is a severe issue that must be addressed right away since a damaged CV joint might cause the vehicle to come apart while in motion.
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Grinding Sound during Braking
When the brakes are applied, a grinding noise can be heard. When the brake pads burn out, they will grind when the brakes are applied. Furthermore, if the rotors are damaged, they will make a similar sound. It’s crucial to address this immediately since worn-out brake pads or broken rotors might fail the brakes.
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Screeching Noise during Acceleration
If you’re driving and suddenly hear a screeching noise, it’s likely coming from your car’s belts. To be safe, take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic, as damaged belts need to be replaced.
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Humming Sound During Driving
A humming noise while driving is never a good sign. It may mean that your tires are unbalanced or have something caught in the treads. In either case, you should take them to be checked by a professional as soon as possible.
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Rumbling Noise
Many different things can cause rumbling sounds.
It Could Be A Loose Heat Shield.
A heat shield is a barrier that protects a car from the intense heat generated by the engine. The heat shield is attached to the vehicle with bolts. Over time, these bolts can loosen and cause the heat shield to rattle. If you hear a rattling noise from under your car, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check it out to ensure the heat shield is secure.
It Could Be A Loose Exhaust Pipe.
A car’s exhaust system comprises several pipes that transport hot gases from the engine to the back of the vehicle, eventually releasing them into the atmosphere. These pipes are held together by brackets and clamps, and if any of these components become loose, it can cause the exhaust system to rattle. A rattling exhaust can also be caused by an exhaust leak, which should be repaired as it can be dangerous.
It Could Be A Loose Engine Mount.
An engine mount is a metal bracket connecting the engine to the car’s frame. The purpose of an engine mount is to reduce vibration and noise from the engine, and if it becomes loose, it can cause those problems. A rattling noise from under the hood could indicate that an engine mount is loose, and it’s best to ask a mechanic to inspect it as soon as possible.
It Could Be A Transmission Problem.
The gearbox transmits engine power to the wheels, and if there is a problem, it can cause all sorts of issues, including a rattling noise. If you hear a rattling noise when your car is in gear, it’s best to have your transmission checked out by a professional.
It Could Be Something Else Entirely.
There could also be many other potential causes of rattling noise coming from your car, so if you’re unsure what the problem is, it’s always best to consult a professional mechanic.
Also, check out the article on the car sounds you should never ignore by Reader’s Digest.
Need Car Maintenance or Repair Services in Dutch Village, CA? No Problem!
You can trust Lake Elsinore Honda, Dutch Village, CA, to take care of your car, truck, or SUV. We have a team of certified mechanics experts in their field and will work diligently to get your vehicle back on track in no time. Schedule service with us today, and rest assured that you’re in good hands. Thanks for reading!
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