At one time or another, it’s going to happen to you.
You will be driving along when you suddenly realize that your car is making a strange sound. You might hear that sound only when you start the motor, or only when you go over some bumps in the road, but one thing will be clear- that sound is not normal.
Your first thought might be to ignore it. Your car is running fine. Then you wonder if it’s something serious or if your car is going to suddenly leave you stranded.
Worse still, most people imagine that they are going to have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs.
What the heck is that noise?! Can it wait until the weekend? Until payday? Maybe you should stop driving ASAP just in case?
In today’s post, we want to talk about some of the most common noises your car might make and what those noises might mean.
The Top Strange Car Noises You’re Likely to Hear
It helps if you are familiar with the way your car normally sounds when everything is fine. You might be surprised at the number of people who never turn down their radio long enough to listen to their motor.
Even if you aren’t 100 percent sure, if a noise sounds unusual to you, then it probably is. Some of the most common sounds that indicate a possible problem include:
- A high-pitched squealing sound
You might hear this squealing sound when you start or shut off the motor, or perhaps when you make a turn. In some instances, this sound starts off only happening at one time (when you turn off the motor, for example) but it will gradually start squealing louder and more often.
This is probably a worn-out (or soon-to-break) serpentine belt. You can check the power steering fluid reservoir to see if it has fluid, but if it does, you should have the belt inspected ASAP.
A broken serpentine belt means your fan isn’t cooling your vehicle (unless you have an electric fan) and your alternator can’t charge the battery. Your vehicle will stall within 5-15 minutes and it won’t restart, leaving you stranded.
- A rhythmic ticking noise
If you hear a very clear, metallic tapping sound from the motor, it might simply mean that your motor is low on oil. Park the car on a flat surface and turn off the engine. Wait about 10 minutes, then check the oil. If it’s low, add the required amount and see if the noise has disappeared.
If the engine isn’t low on oil, your vehicle might need a valve adjustment. Call the experts at My Mechanic for an appointment.
- There’s a whistling noise from the front of the vehicle
This could be many things, but the most common problem is a loose or worn-out radiator cap, or coolant overflow cap. Never open the radiator cap when the motor is warm. It’s best to let the experts at My Mechanic test the radiator cap or overflow cap to ensure that it is working properly.
Sometimes, an engine that is close to overheating will make this sound as the steam escapes the overflow bottle.
As soon as you can, take your vehicle to My Mechanic and have this noise inspected.
- You Hear a very loud rumbling noise from underneath
This could be a broken exhaust pipe or tailpipe, or the muffler might have a hole in it. This could develop into a dangerous situation since the exhaust fumes can make their way inside the vehicle.
As soon as possible, bring the car to My Mechanic for an inspection.
- You hear whining, humming, or clicking sounds when turning or on curves
This could mean that the front wheel bearings or CV joints are worn out. As time goes on, these sounds will get much, much louder. If repairs are not made, the entire wheel assembly could fall off.
While this isn’t an emergency (unless it’s been going on for a long time) you should call My Mechanic and have this looked at soon.
- Squealing, shaking, vibrations, clunking or grinding sounds when you brake
This is most likely a sign that your vehicle needs brakes and/or brake rotors or drums. Depending on the noise you hear and how long it’s been happening, it’s never a good idea to drive with brakes that aren’t working properly or are very low.
Call the experts at My Mechanic for an appointment ASAP.
- The car makes a rhythmic, droning type of sound that is louder the faster you go
This could be that your tires are worn out. Have your tires inspected as soon as you can. A blow-out at highway speeds can lead to serious accidents.
- Clunking sounds under the vehicle, especially when going over bumps or potholes
This type of noise usually means that the shocks or struts have reached the end of their service life. Call the pros at My Mechanic for an inspection of the shocks and the front suspension.
- Howling sounds from the rear of the vehicle
If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, a howling sound from the back can be a sign that the rear differential needs attention.
Some differentials develop a leak and need the leak repaired, then the differential is filled with gear oil.
If the differential has run low on oil and it has been driven for some time, the bearings or gears may have become damaged and they will need to be repaired.
Call the friendly staff at My Mechanic for an appointment as soon as you can.
- The car makes a clicking sound when it is turned off
This is completely normal and is nothing to worry about. Those ticking or clicking sounds that go on for about 10 minutes are nothing more than your engine cooling down.
Still, Have Questions?
If your car, truck, or SUV is making some other type of noise not covered here, or if you aren’t sure where the sound is coming from, call the expert mechanics at My Mechanic.
Our ASE-Certified mechanics will be happy to check out your vehicle, find that annoying sound, and explain what the problem is (if there is one).
If your vehicle is making funny sounds, why not call My Mechanic today while you are thinking about it?
It only takes a few minutes and you will gain valuable peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands.
