Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

You may be driving along one day to hear an unusual sound coming from your car suddenly. What might that noise be, and how can you make it stop? Sometimes you'll need to take your vehicle to a technician to have it serviced. Other times, you might need to make a simple fix like cleaning off components. The following common noises can give you some idea of what might be wrong with your car.

Squeaky Brakes

There may be many reasons why the brakes start squeaking. The problem might start after you've been driving on wet pavement or snowy roads. Letting the brakes dry out should fix the noise. The issue may also be due to debris getting into the brake components. If that happens, a professional mechanic can clean out the parts and provide a protective layer of lubricant. Parts in the braking system can wear out over time, including the brake pads, which may be squeaking.

Engine Rattling

Rattling usually results from a premature ignition, which is also called "pre-ignition." Early ignition happens when fuel and air mix improperly in the engine cylinder. This combination causes abnormal pressure, which in turn causes early firing from the engine cylinder. The rattling sound happens from the premature ignition. A bad computer sensor, the wrong type of fuel, or an incorrect fuel grade are contributing factors.

Engine Clicking

Engine clicking has a few possible causes. The engine's oil level may be low, which causes clicking sounds. Low oil levels may also coincide with a hot engine. Clicks may also be due to a valve train that is not aligned properly. A rod that is knocking around and worn reciprocating components can also be a source of clicking.

Knocking Under the Hood

A few issues can cause knocking sounds from beneath the hood. Transmission problems can be a source of the knocking. If your car's transmission is failing, it is time to make an appointment for service to avoid serious damage. A worn crankshaft can also cause knocking noises.

Engine Squealing

A high-pitched squealing noise from the engine may have several sources. The squealing can be linked to a bad roller bearing in a component. A tensioner that doesn't provide enough pressure to the serpentine belt or a problem with the serpentine belt itself is another possible cause.

If your car is making worrisome sounds, let our service team get it back in working order today.