10 Car Noises You Should NEVER Ignore

Your car is an intricate machine comprising many moving parts that move you from point A to B. Sometimes, it tries to communicate with you through noises and various signals that it sends. While some noises may be benign (such as that produced by an optimally functioning engine), others could signal potential problems that need attention immediately.

Reducing costly repairs by ignoring these warning signs could prove fatal – or, at the very least, leave you stranded on the side of the road! So let’s listen closely for what your car may be telling us with these ten everyday noises we should never ignore.

1. Squealing Brakes

Imagine driving along Hall Road towards a red light when suddenly, as you hit the brakes, an audible high-pitched squeal pierces the air as your brake pads start wearing down and rubbing against metal on metal, which could damage rotors and reduce stopping power. If this noise occurs frequently enough for you, get it checked immediately!

2. Check Engine Light or Blinking in the Engine

If your engine makes an unusual clicking or popping sound when accelerating, this could indicate defective spark plugs, fuel injectors, or engine timing issues that need attention. Failure to take action immediately could cause severe engine damage, so contact your mechanic as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with him/her for evaluation and repair.

3. Hissing or Sizzling Under the Hood

Have you heard hissing, sizzling, or gurgling noises from your engine lately? These could be signs that something’s amiss – this may indicate leakage of coolant, oil, or power steering fluid, which are essential for car health. Overheating may also cause similar noises, which should not be ignored! If this occurs, immediately get an inspection performed to check fluid levels as quickly as possible to protect the engine.

4. Grinding or Whirring from the Wheels

When turning, an unexpected grinding or whirring noise from your wheels indicates that your drivetrain may have issues, including worn-out wheel bearings, failing CV joints, or other parts that connect the engine to the wheels. Don’t disregard this sound; ignoring it could result in loss of control and wheel detachment if left unchecked.

5. Suspension Thumping or Knocking

When your vehicle responds with an audible thud or knock when driving over bumps in the road, your suspension system may be trying to tell you something. Worn-out shocks/struts/control arms/or any other suspension issues could be at play here. Ignoring such sounds may result in poor handling and even safety risks if left ignored – making for an unpleasant ride and poor safety performance overall.

6. Whining or Squealing Belts

An audible whine or squeal from beneath your hood could be a telltale sign that your belts need replacing, whether that means the serpentine belt, which drives multiple components, or the timing belt, which coordinates engine movements synchronization; worn or loose belts could quickly lead to serious engine problems if they break.

7. Roaring or Rumbling Exhaust System

If your exhaust sounds like a monster truck, it’s time for an inspection. Loud, booming, or rumbling noises often indicate a hole in the exhaust system or some parts are loose or damaged – which could reduce performance, increase emissions, and expose you to potentially hazardous fumes.

8. Clicking or Buzzing from the Dashboard

Electrical problems aren’t easy to pinpoint, but clicking, buzzing, or other electrical noises from your dashboard are sure signs something’s amiss. A short circuit or failing relay could be to blame – for your own safety, it’s best to have a professional assess the issue first to prevent further damage or battery drain.

9. Knocking or Pinging from Engine

An audible metallic pinging or knocking noise from your engine under acceleration could indicate engine detonation (commonly known as knocking). This could be caused by using low-grade fuel or issues with ignition timing – both can contribute to knocking. Left unchecked, engine knocking can lead to severe engine damage that necessitates costly repairs.

10. Whistling Wind Noise

Are you hearing an audible, high-pitched whistle while driving at highway speeds? This could indicate that loose or damaged weatherstripping on your doors or windows has come loose, reducing fuel efficiency and making your cabin noisy and uncomfortable. While this might only seem like a minor distraction, this sound could reduce fuel economy significantly and make driving unsafe and awkward for all passengers in the cabin.

If You Are Unsure, Get it Checked Out!

If your vehicle is making strange noises or showing other unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to bring it to Car Guys Auto Center in Fraser. Our skilled technicians can quickly assess the issue and recommend a practical course of action; taking action now could save a major hassle later.