You know your vehicle better than you think.
You may not know what every part under the hood does, but you know what your car normally sounds and feels like. So when it suddenly starts squealing, grinding, clicking or making a noise that definitely wasn’t there yesterday, pay attention. Not every strange sound means an expensive repair is coming. But ignoring a new noise can sometimes turn a small problem into a much bigger one.
Here are a few sounds you shouldn’t ignore.
Squealing or Grinding When You Brake
A high-pitched squeal when you brake can be a sign that your brake pads are wearing down. Grinding can mean the pads are badly worn and other parts of the braking system may be getting damaged.
Brakes are one of those things you don’t want to put off. If your brakes start making a new noise, your brake pedal feels different, or the vehicle shakes or pulls when you stop, have it checked.
Clicking When You Turn
A repeated clicking or popping sound while turning can sometimes point to a problem with a CV joint or another part of the steering or suspension system. The important thing isn't diagnosing it yourself. It's noticing when the sound happens. Does it happen only when you turn? Only at low speeds? Is it louder when turning in one direction?
Those details can make it much easier for a mechanic to figure out what's going on.
Humming, Roaring or Growling That Gets Louder With Speed
If you hear a humming, roaring or growling noise that changes as the vehicle speeds up, don't ignore it. There are several possible causes, including tire problems or a worn wheel bearing. Some are relatively simple to fix. Others can become safety issues if they're allowed to get worse.
If a noise changes with your speed, it's worth having someone check it out.
Any Unusual Sound From the Engine
This is one where you don't want to guess.
An engine can make unusual noises for a number of reasons, and some are much more serious than others. Knocking, tapping, ticking, rattling or any sound coming from the engine that doesn't seem normal should be checked out.
Don't wait for the sound to get louder or for a warning light to come on. If something doesn't sound right, have it checked.
Squealing From Under the Hood
A squealing sound from under the hood may be related to a belt, pulley or another moving part. Sometimes it happens only when you first start the vehicle. Sometimes it changes when you accelerate or turn on the air conditioner.
Again, you don't have to figure out which part is making the noise. Just pay attention to when it happens and what you're doing when you hear it.
Clunking Over Bumps
If you start hearing clunks or knocks when you go over bumps, something in the suspension or steering system may be worn or loose. You may also notice the vehicle riding differently, bouncing more than usual, pulling to one side or feeling less stable.
A clunk isn't automatically a disaster. But it's also not something I'd turn the radio up to fix. ??
A New Rattle
Rattles can be maddening because they can come from almost anywhere. Sometimes it's something harmless, like a loose piece of trim. Other times it can be something underneath the vehicle, in the exhaust system or under the hood.
If you suddenly hear a new rattle, especially one that gets louder or changes with speed or acceleration, it's worth figuring out where it's coming from.
Your Car Doesn't Have to Sound Terrible to Have a Problem
Sometimes the first sign of trouble isn't a dramatic grinding or knocking noise. It might be a new vibration. A different smell. A warning light. The steering feels different. The car takes longer to start. Something just feels...off.
Don't ignore a change simply because the vehicle is still running. Catching a problem early can sometimes mean repairing one part instead of waiting until that problem damages something else.
Bought Your Vehicle From CRC? Ask Us.
If you bought your vehicle from Chuck Ryan Cars and it starts making a noise you don't recognize, give us a call or bring it by. You don't have to know whether it's a wheel bearing, CV joint, belt or something else. That's our job to help you figure out.
And if your vehicle is outside its warranty period, don't assume you're completely on your own. Talk to us. We'll see what we can do to help you figure out the problem and the best way to get it repaired.
At Chuck Ryan Cars, we want to take care of our customers before and after the sale. Sometimes your car is trying to tell you something.
The trick is listening before it starts yelling.
