Five Car Noises You Shouldn't Ignore
Your car is a complex machine made up of many different parts. When you've been driving your vehicle for a while, you get to know its little eccentricities, which could include the odd little noise. Some of these noises, however, could mean more than just a louder ride. Make sure you keep your car in top condition by familiarizing yourself with these five sounds that Client knows could mean bigger trouble:
Squealing
The most likely source of a squealing noise is your brakes, and it should come as common sense that this is one part of the car that should be running at its best. If your brakes squeal when you press the pedal, it could mean your pads need replacing. That could be a minor and relatively inexpensive inconvenience. Leave it too long, though, and you could be looking at a much more dangerous (and expensive) situation.
Ticking
If your engine is making a ticking noise, it could point to a number of different problems. The engine valves may need to be adjusted or could be stuck. There could be sludge in the engine stopping the oil from circulating properly, or you could just be low on engine oil. Don't take any chances. Take the car to our service department and have the problem diagnosed by our certified experts.
Hissing
A hissing sound from the engine might mean you have a snake on board, but chances are it's something more mechanical. The engine could be overheating, which is an early warning sign of something more serious. Pull over and call for assistance as soon as possible. Your exhaust can also make a hissing sound, which could indicate a hole or crack in the system somewhere. Again, get your mechanic on the case as soon as you can.
Scraping
There are a number of different things that could cause a scraping noise, most of which are easily remedied. You could have an object caught on the underside of your car. Pull over and see if you can remove it. More seriously, the parking brake may be faulty or partly engaged. You run the risk of doing some serious damage if you don't see to it straight away. If the noise happens when you brake, it's worth getting the rear brakes checked out as the brake shoes could be worn.
Whirring
A whirring noise could be perfectly normal, however, if it changes pitch according to your speed, there are a number of potential root causes. There could be problems with the transmission, the flywheel inspection plate could be damaged, or there could be a loose fan bracket. It's also possible the tires are too hard for the road surface or simply not suitable for the terrain. If the noise goes away (or changes) when the road surface changes, then you can probably isolate it to that issue. Failing that, call your mechanic and get some professional advice.
Have any questions? Don't hesitate to call us, contact us online, or visit us in person. We'll help you get the answers you need!