Key Takeaways:
- Car sounds can be an indicator of a serious problem
- If you hear any strange car noise, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible
- Some of the car sounds and noises you should never ignore are grinding or squealing when you brake, a rattling engine, a hissing sound, a clicking noise when you turn the steering wheel, and more.
- Trust Mike Patton service center, and we can identify and solve the sound problem of your car.
Car sounds and noise can be indicative of a problem with your car. It’s important to know what to listen for and, more importantly, what you should never ignore. In this blog post, experts at Mike Patton CDJR will go over the most common car sounds and noises to which you should pay attention. By knowing what these sounds mean, you can save time and money by addressing the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
01: Chirping or Squealing Sound from a Wheel While Driving
A failed wheel bearing or axle bearing is sometimes indicated by a cyclical chirping or squealing sound emanating from the wheel(s) region. This kind of noise often changes with the car’s speed and may appear and disappear at different speeds. It’s important to pay attention to this noise since ignoring it might result in the wheel locking up or even coming off your automobile if the bearing breaks.
Don’t confuse wheel bearing noise with possible braking noises such as scraping, groaning, or creaking. Moisture causes the brake pads to bulge gradually in wet conditions. As a result, the pads could drag and make uncomfortable groans or creaks when drying out and heating up.
02: Clicking Sound During A Turn
One of the most dangerous car sounds is a clicking noise when making a turn. There are two potential causes for this: a damaged CV joint or an issue with your power steering system.
If you hear clicking when making turns, getting your car checked out as soon as possible is important since this could lead to losing control.
03: Scraping or Grinding Noise When Braking
When the brake pads are moist, brakes occasionally moan or creak, and some brake pad types—particularly semi-metallic pads—may scream or squeak when they are cold. However, when the brakes are applied, they should generally be quiet.
If you hear metallic scraping or grinding noises when you brake, your brake pads are worn out. Replace your brakes right away since old ones might not be able to stop your car at a safe distance. If the brakes are so worn down, there is a chance that the remaining friction material on the pads might detach from the supporting plate, perhaps resulting in the brakes failing. The rotors suffer a great deal of harm from metal-to-metal contact.
04: Hissing Sound from The Engine
While driving or after shutting off the engine, if you continuously hear a hissing sound coming from the engine compartment, your engine may be overheating, or the cooling system may leak coolant. Check the temperature gauge or warning light to determine whether an overheating condition is present. If you observe steam, stop driving immediately since extreme overheating might harm your engine.
Stop your automobile, then cautiously raise the hood. Check the engine, radiator, and heater hoses for any signs of coolant leakage. The cooling system loses coolant if you see steam or a pleasant odor.
Do not open the radiator or remove the coolant reservoir caps before the engine completely cools down and wait a while before adding coolant.
05: Clicking or Tapping Noise from Engine
While engines can make various noises, a metallic tapping or clicking sound could indicate that your engine is running short on oil or not producing proper oil pressure. The valvetrain is where you may hear the clicking. The hydraulic lifters that open and close the valves may collide if oil pressure is low, either due to a low oil level in the crankcase or an issue with the oil pump, increasing valve lash. This sound is what you’re hearing, coming from the engine’s top near the valve covers.
Check the oil level on the dipstick or tester after stopping the engine and letting it sit for a while (to allow the oil to flow back down into the crankcase). If the level is low, add oil as necessary to restore it to the full mark. Avoid adding too much oil to the crankcase. In addition, look for oil leaks in the engine. Engine oil can escape due to the worn valve cover and pan gaskets, leaking crankshaft end seals, and other factors.
Driving your car is not recommended if the noise persists or the oil pressure gauge or warning light shows low oil pressure. Oil pressure loss may harm an engine severely and cost money.
Additional engine noises may also mean bad news. Wearing connecting rod bearings can produce a deep metallic rapping sound, which may signify that your engine is about to fail.
06: Roaring from The Exhaust
When you accelerate, the exhaust noise from under your car will be the loudest if your exhaust system leaks. Although the noise won’t hurt you, it does indicate that your exhaust system needs to be repaired (probably a new muffler or pipes). The risk arises if the carbon monoxide-containing exhaust gases, which are leaking, enter the passenger area.
You should get your exhaust system fixed as soon as possible. Gaskets on the exhaust manifold, fractures in the exhaust manifold, connections between exhaust pipes, rusted-through pipes, and corroded-out mufflers are some examples of exhaust system parts that often leak.
Final Thought:
If you hear any strange sounds and noises coming from your car, it’s always best to get it checked out by a professional. Ignoring strange sounds can often lead to bigger problems down the road.
Mike Patton CDJR, serving Stovall, GA, can help!
You can rely on a consistently exceptional driving experience when you bring your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or Wagoneer car to our service facility for all your service and auto repair requirements, from routine maintenance to significant repairs.
Schedule your service appointment today. Stay safe on the roads, and take care of your car!
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