Cars make a lot of normal sounds, but when a new, strange noise appears, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something is wrong. Learning to identify these sounds can help you catch a small problem before it becomes a major repair. Here’s a guide to some of the most common weird car noises.
Noises During Braking
- High-Pitched Squeal: This is the classic sign that your brake pads are worn out. It's caused by the built-in wear indicator. Action: Get your brakes inspected soon.
- Deep, Loud Grinding: A very serious warning. This means your brake pads are completely gone, and metal is grinding on metal. Action: Stop driving and get your car serviced immediately to avoid destroying your brake rotors.
Noises from the Engine
- Persistent Knocking or Pinging: A rhythmic knocking from deep in the engine can indicate a serious internal problem. A lighter pinging or rattling that gets worse on acceleration could be engine "knock" from using the wrong type of fuel.
- Squealing or Chirping: A sharp squeal from the engine bay, especially when you start the car or turn on the AC, usually points to a worn or loose serpentine belt.
Noises When Turning or Driving
- Clicking or Popping When Turning: A repeated clicking or popping sound during sharp, low-speed turns is a classic symptom of a failing Constant Velocity (CV) joint, which is part of the axle.
- Roaring or Humming That Increases with Speed: This sound, which is often compared to an airplane taking off, is a very common sign of a bad wheel bearing. The noise will get louder as you go faster.
- Clunking or Rattling Under the Car: This is often caused by a loose or broken exhaust system component or a heat shield. While not always an emergency, a loose exhaust can be a hazard if it falls.
How to Describe a Noise to Your Mechanic
To get the fastest, most accurate diagnosis, give your mechanic as much information as possible:
- What does it sound like? (Squeal, grind, clunk, rattle, hum, etc.)
- When does it happen? (When braking, accelerating, turning, starting the car, etc.)
- Where is it coming from? (The front, rear, engine bay, under the car, etc.)
- Is it constant or intermittent?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My car is making a noise, but only when it's cold. Should I still be worried?
A: Some minor noises upon startup can be normal as fluids circulate. However, if the noise is loud, metallic, or doesn't go away after a minute or two, you should still have it checked out.
Q: Are all car noises a sign of an expensive repair?
A: Not at all. A squealing belt or a rattling heat shield are often relatively inexpensive fixes. The key is to address the noise early before it can cause a chain reaction of damage.
Q: Can I diagnose the noise myself with an app?
A: While some apps claim to help identify noises, they are not a substitute for the trained ear of an experienced mechanic. It's best to let a professional make the final diagnosis.