Your car’s sounds are one of the most important indicators of its health and well-being. If you ignore any strange or unfamiliar sounds coming from your car, you may be setting yourself up for expensive repairs down the line. While some car noises can be easily fixed, others can be indicative of larger, more costly repairs.
Below are just a few of the indicators that you should never set aside.
- Booms
In most cases, a booming noise that occurs when driving over bumps is an indication that a strut or shock has failed. It’s essential to take care of that because working struts and shocks contribute to safe driving. On the other hand, if you hear a loud bang, it could be a sign that a component of your vehicle, like a ball joint or the suspension, has failed, and you are about to lose control.
- Grinding
The sound of grinding indicates the rubbing of metal against metal. You should hurry up and have that checked out. If it’s coming from the engine compartment, it could be the water pump, the alternator, or the drive belt.
- Hissing
Any hissing or squeaking coming from the hoses that supply and exhaust the engine should raise suspicions of a problem. A hose coming loose, a vacuum or air leak, or another issue with the belt system are all possibilities. The dashboard’s functionality, gas mileage, and engine efficiency can all be negatively impacted by leaks.
- Knocking
If your engine is knocking, it may be because you need to add fluids. The problem may be less obvious, like the rod bearings, or it may be a sign of something more catastrophic. If that’s the case, you may want to consider replacing the engine.
However, if you keep an eye and an ear open, you can head off costly complications. You can prevent minor issues from becoming major catastrophes by keeping up with routine checks.
- Rattling
Drivers of front-wheel-drive vehicles may hear rattling sounds when they turn sharply or hit the gas pedal quickly. Water can rot the joints that allow your tires to turn. There must be another source of the commotion, right? Heat shields, which keep exhaust pipes safe, often become dislodged and jangled. The muffler or brakes may be at fault if they too are rattling.
- Squeaking
As time passes, brakes deteriorate. A squeaking noise will be the first sign of that, followed by a grinding noise. Then it will intensify into a deep rumble. One of the things you shouldn’t mess about is the brakes because they ensure your safety.
- Squealing
If your belt is making a squeaking sound while you accelerate, there may be a problem. If the belt in your car breaks, you may be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Get it fixed before things get out of hand.
- Ticking and Tapping
Oil change intervals are getting increasingly long on cars. On the other hand, there are those instances where drivers just forget to make the required return trip with their vehicle. However, significant issues may arise if you fail to monitor your oil. One of the signs that you’re getting low on engine oil is a jumbled noise coming from the motor. Without it, the engine will quickly deteriorate.
- Tire Noise
People get accustomed to their vehicles’ noises over time, so a new, subtle noise may go unnoticed. Problems with the alignment or suspension may be the cause of noises emanating from the tires. If you want to make sure you’re hearing everything your automobile has to offer, it’s a good idea to take a passenger who doesn’t usually ride with you for a spin every once in a while.
- Whining
In most cases, an automatic transmission with a noticeable noise is not a good sign. You shouldn’t hear any clunks or feel any heavy bangs as you shift into gear. And you should not hear any whining while driving the vehicle. When any of those things occur, it’s likely that the transmission is malfunctioning.
Conclusion
There are several different car sounds that you shouldn’t ignore. These include screeching brakes, squealing belts, clicking noises, and engine knocking. If you hear any of these noises, it’s important to have your car checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Passing them off as something minor can lead to serious problems down the road.
If your American or Japanese vehicle is in need of an inspection or an auto repair in Culver City, look no further than our services here at Automed Car Care. Whether your car needs brake repairs, an oil change, battery repairs, or another type of service, count on our mechanics to get the job done to your satisfaction. Visit our nearest branch today and let us tend to your car tires in no time.
