Troubleshooting Squeaks, And Strange Sounds Coming from Your Car

Modern cars nowadays are well designed and equipped. So, if they make sounds that they should not be, that is really a big concern. As you may know, car noises mean a lot of things, depending on the location they come from and the time they happen. That makes drivers difficult to find out.

To help every driver handle their cars, this article will show you about troubleshooting squeaks, and strange sounds coming from your car. Some particular situations are also added to help you understand better.

Some specific situations when your car makes noises

When idling

Hissing

The hissing sound from your bonnet might be a signal of a serious issue as the car engine might be overheated. Besides, it may be a vacuum leak, and this is easier to fix when you can locate it.

Clicking

There will be the problem of low oil pressure if there is a clicking sound when your car is started. For that case, you need to have a professional mechanic check it for you.

When cruising

Rattling

In case the rattle comes from inside the car, there is something that clatters around in the glove compartment. Or it is just a bit of plastic that is loose. These problems are easy to repair.

If the rattling sound is underneath your vehicle, the catalytic converter may be broken. Also, the loose exhaust system might cause this problem.

Squealing

The squealing sound sometimes shows that the V-belt is nearly close to the end. So, if you do not want your car to stop immediately, have it checked soon.

Ticking

Indeed, the ticking sound might come from the bonnet, under it. If you hear this sound, the engine oil is low. Thus, you should check the levels before you go to the garage. Besides, the ticking sound also indicates the deeper problem with the valve train.

When accelerating

Grinding

If you shift up through your gears and the stick grinds, that means the clutch may be worn out. Another cause might be that the shift linkage has to be adjusted. The grinding issue also signifies a deeper issue with the transmission.

Slapping

When you speed up, the slapping sound may appear as one tire will be on its last legs. That means you drive on a damaged or flat tire, making damage last to your car wheels. Thus, if there is a slapping sound, stop driving.

Chirping

If you hear the chirping sound, you should notice the axle or wheel bearing as it might begin to fail. Hence, it is better to have your car seen before your wheels are locked up.

When braking

Clicking

Scrapping or clicking on the brakes means that several system components are damaged. Or there is just a stone stuck in the braking system. Whatever the matter is, you have to bring your car to the professional to check.

Grinding

What if you hear the grinding sound in your brakes? Probably, you do not replace the brake pads for a long time.

Squeaking

While you are applying the brakes and your car squeals or squeaks, it is also another signal telling you to replace brake pads. Fortunately, the pads are equipped with built-in indicators that can warn you about the wear-down of the pads.

How to troubleshoot strange sounds from your car?

Here are the solutions for each situation that you may encounter with your car. Read them thoroughly and you can react accordingly.

• You hear the running sound from the engine even though you turned the ignition off: The engine is totally dieseling. This situation happens to the vehicle with carburetors. Also, the problem often results from idle speed. Specifically, the speed is set excessive carbon or too high leading to that problem.
• There is a whistling sound under the hood: First, you should test the hose if there are vacuum leaks. In case the whistle is inside the car, the weatherstripping might leak.
• Your vehicle makes an abnormal, loud sound: The cause may be from a hole lying in the muffler. You ought to replace it at once.
• You can hear the sound but cannot detect the source: In this case, you should find a stethoscope. Then, you take the disc off and put a piece of tubing in instead. Next, run the car and use the plugs to hear the hood area. You can find the cause when you move the tube around and the stethoscope will amplify it.
• There is a rhythmic and weird sound from the tires when you drive: It is recommended to check the wheel balancing, tire wear, or inflation.
• You hear clunking sound: This sound often comes from under the car, and it happens more often when the driver goes through a bump. For this case, you had better check the suspension system and shock absorber. Otherwise, your muffler or tailpipe might be loose if you hear the sound near the rear.
• The squealing sound when the driver uses the braking system: It might be that the brake pads are worn down too far. Hence, you have to replace them as soon as possible.

For rattles, vibrations, and squeaks, you can troubleshoot the issue yourself before bringing it to the store. By tightening and checking the items below, you can save a huge sum of money.

• Window/ door locks and cranks
• Glove box
• Outside trim
• Hubcaps or wheel covers
• Trunk
• Loose screws/ bolts
• Dashboard knobs
• Side mirrors and rearview
• Sound system

Last Words

Aside from troubleshooting squeaks, and strange sounds coming from your car, there are also some common car noises. The list might be longer and if your car noise does not match any at all, the best way is to ask for help from the experts. Hopefully, you find this article helpful, and you will not encounter any problems with your cars.