Think about all of the sounds your car makes. Turn the key, and the engine starts with a rumble. Press the horn, and it alerts others to potential problems.
But we’re talking about more than the noises you hear everyday. Sometimes your car makes noises to alert you to potential issues that demand attention. Pay attention, and you can fix common problems long before they turn into significant repair projects. Troubleshoot them early, and you’ll save money in the long run.
How do you know what’s common and what’s out of the ordinary? Let’s look at some of the more common car noises you might hear as your car ages.
Common Car Noises You Can Expect To Hear
Every car, every system in your car, has its own unique noises. You hear them the first time you start your car, and you continue to hear them as long as you own it. If you pay attention, you can hear warning sounds that tell you something is wrong.
Engine Noises
- A knocking or pinging noise is sometimes due to low-octane fuel, carbon buildup, or an issue with the ignition timing.
- A tapping or clicking noise is typically related to the valve train, often due to low oil levels or the need for valve adjustment.
- A squealing sound usually indicates a problem with the serpentine belt or one of the pulleys.
Transmission Noises
- A grinding noise could indicate worn-out gears or problems with the clutch in a manual transmission.
- A whining noise is often a sign of low transmission fluid or a failing torque converter in an automatic transmission.
Brakes Noises
- A squeaking or squealing noise is usually caused by worn brake pads.
- A grinding noise indicates severely worn brake pads that may be damaging the rotors.
- A thumping sound can occur if the rotors are warped.
Suspension Noises
- A clunking noise is often a sign of worn-out ball joints, struts, or shock absorbers.
- A squeaking noise is typically from worn-out bushings or suspension components.
Steering Noises
- A whining noise is a sign of low power steering fluid or a problem with the power steering pump.
- A creaking or groaning noise can indicate worn-out steering components or a problem with the steering rack.
Exhaust Noises
- A rattling noise is often caused by loose or damaged exhaust components.
- A hissing noise can indicate a leak in the exhaust system.
Electrical System Noises
- A buzzing noise can be related to electrical components or relays.
- A clicking noise may be the sound of a failing starter motor or a problem with the battery.
Tire Noises
- A thumping noise could indicate uneven tire wear or a problem with wheel alignment.
- A squealing noise may be caused by under-inflated tires or aggressive cornering.
Air Conditioning/Heating System Noises
- A hissing noise may indicate a refrigerant leak.
- A whirring noise is often related to the blower motor or fan.
How Do You Identify The Source Of The Noise?
It starts by paying attention to your car. From the moment you drive it for the very first time, you’ll notice different sounds. How does it sound when it starts? How does it idle at a stop light? How does it sound as you exit the highway?
Pay attention to these sounds. They’ll be your guide to determining when something goes wrong.
Identify The Noise
Sharpening your listening skills is the first step in troubleshooting. If you know how your car sounds daily, you’ll notice changes. Do a systems check throughout your days. Stuck in traffic? Turn the radio down and listen. Start your car up in the morning? Spend a few seconds listening. This can be your best way of finding minor issues before they escalate.
Determine When The Noise Occurs
While you might not be fixing your car yourself, every bit of information you provide can help your mechanic locate and fix the problem. Take notes. When do you hear the noise? What conditions exist? Does the noise happen in certain conditions? What does it sound like?
Locate The General Area
This doesn’t mean you have to get specific. Under the hood can be enough to lead a mechanic right to the problem. But when you’re in tune with your car, sometimes you can go further. If it’s near the wheels, is it all of them or one specifically? Do you hear it more on the driver’s side or the passenger side?
Perform Checks
How detailed can you be? We get you’re not a mechanic. We also have seen many frustrated customers come in and unable to replicate the problem in our shop. As you start to notice a problem, start taking notes. If it seems to be coming from the exhaust, check for leaks. Have you recently sustained damage to the back of your car? Do you see things at specific times of the day? Take a few photos if it will help determine where it is. This little bit of troubleshooting on your part can help us locate the noise, no matter how small it is when you bring it in.
Consult A Professional
If you simply aren’t sure where the noise is coming from, don’t fret. Our mechanics are trained for the job. Just come in with as much info as you have, and we’ll take it from there. We can put it through a series of diagnostic tests to get to the root of the problem and fix the issue accurately.
Tips For Preventing Car Noises
Even though you can’t prevent car noises from occurring throughout its life, there are things you can do to minimize their effect.
From the moment you drive your car off the lot, create a maintenance schedule to prevent damage and catch issues early. Think of it as your insurance policy against future problems.
When you do have a problem, don’t ignore it. It will get worse. Depending on the severity of the problem should determine how quickly you bring your car in for inspection. You can browse our blog for any concern that comes your way.
Drive your car proactively. Use common sense when driving down the road. Leaving a few minutes early means you won’t be in a rush, pounding on the brakes as you consistently get too close to the vehicle in front of you.
And never take shortcuts when it comes to maintenance. High-quality parts will give you high-quality results.
Looking for an auto repair shop to give you all that and more? Stop by today. We’d love to discuss the health of your car, and ensure it provides reliable service for many years to come.