Everyone probably has one of two reactions when they hear strange sounds coming from their car:
- They listen intently, repeating ¨what is that noise?”, turn off the radio and drive right to their mechanic.
- They listen for a few moments, check to see if the car is about to die, and if the car feels the same, they simply turn up the radio.
Cars can make some pretty scary noises, but this doesn’t mean that you need to fear them. In fact, by paying some attention to them, you can sometimes determine if the noise needs immediate attention or not. Also, if you listen carefully, you can also gather some important info to help the mechanic determine what is wrong.
We tend to take our cars for granted until they start acting strange or make horrific noises. However, most car sounds are trying to tell you something is wrong, similar to ways your body does.
Let’s take a look at some of the top noises and what they might mean.
Top 5 Ghoulish Sounds Your Car Makes
While sounds can be difficult to describe with words, we will do our best to give you an idea of what we think these sounds are. You might think our “clunk” is more of a “bang” so keep that in mind.
1. Squealing or Squeaking Noises from Under the Hood
No, it’s not a creaky door or floor in a scary movie. One of the most common noises under the hood comes from drive belts and tensioners. You probably know what the drive belt is on your car. Many cars today use tensioners and idler pulleys that have slightly different jobs, but will make the same noise. In short, tensioners keep the belt tight. Idler pulleys are a way to manage today’s modern serpentine belts. Belts get old with time and they can become glazed, which gives them a shiny look on one side. This causes the belt to make noise. Belts can also squeak when they get wet, when they are too dry, or when they are loose (in spite of the tensioner). You should replace your belt if its more than 4 years old. If you aren’t sure about their age, ask us to inspect the condition of the belt the next time you’re in for an oil change.
Tensioners and idler pulleys can also make these noises. For these reasons, it can be difficult for the average person to determine if the belt or the tensioner/idler pulley is causing the problem. Watch the belt as the motor is running. You can sometimes see the pulleys wobbling or the squeak become more apparent when you are right in front of it.
A broken belt, a frozen idler pulley or tensioner will leave you stranded. As a matter of prevention, it’s a good idea to at least let the qualified mechanics at My Mechanic inspect the belts and pulleys when you start to hear these noises.
2. Whistling Sounds from Under the Hood
No, this isn’t Beetlejuice under your hood. It might be a real problem. Whistling sounds from under the hood could mean that the car is overheating. That whistling sound is steam escaping from the coolant overflow tank or radiator cap. Sometimes this is just a sign of a bad radiator cap, but you want avoid allowing the car to overheat. This can cause severe engine damage, especially in today’s newer vehicles. (For many reasons, the engines are much less forgiving than they used to be.) If the temperature gauge reads normal, have someone inspect it when you can. If the car is running hot, pull over and run the heater for a few minutes on high. Then turn the motor off. This isn’t the same as a whistling sound from a window or door. That is nothing more than bad weather stripping, which you can have fixed at your convenience.
3. Squealing, Squeaking, Grinding, Growling Brake or Wheel Noises
These sounds might remind you of a Freddy Krueger movie. The cause could be as simple as brake dust, or it could mean that you need replacement brakes. The longer you wait, the more it’s going to cost you. Not to mention the safety issues involved here. Growling sounds when the wheels are spinning and you aren’t braking are also not good. This could mean that the hub bearing is worn out. If this bearing fails, the wheel can literally fall off. Don’t risk it. Have these noises inspected ASAP.
4. Clunking, Banging, Clanging Sounds Going Over Bumps
This is more than likely some type of front suspension part that is worn out. These noises can go on for a long period of time. If you avoid them too long, they can lead to a dangerous situation. For example, ball joints that allow the wheels to move up and down over uneven terrain will let the wheel move in any direction when they break. Which means, the hubcap can end up looking at the sky. When you hear these sounds, don’t wait too long to have the car inspected—for your safety and the safety of others.
5. Wobbling Noises When Driving
This sound is similar to the type of thumping that a washing machine makes when the load is unbalanced. STOP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY if you have recently had the brakes done, new tires or wheels put on, or if the tires were rotated. This could mean that the lug nuts were not put on tightly and the wheels are wobbling. Yes, they could come off. Don’t drive until you are certain that the lug nuts are tight.
The BOOtom Line
Anytime you hear strange noises, try to take note about what they sound like and when it’s happening. Is it a squealing or a clunking? Is it happening when you brake or only when you are on the freeway? Do you hear it when you first start to drive the car or only after the car is warmed up? Did these noises start right after some event (like getting the tires rotated)? Has it been going on for a few months? This will help your mechanic pin down the problem just a little bit faster. In the end, it might save you a few bucks.
Of course there are many other haunting sounds that your car might make, but these are some of the most common. The important takeaway here is to have any strange noises investigated as soon as possible. If you wait, you risk being stranded and nearly every repair will cost more the longer you put it off.
Instead of procrastinating, contact the pros at My Mechanic when your car starts making those Halloween sounds. We will be happy to check them out and let you know if it’s Michael Myers under the hood or just a bad belt.
