Modern cars are getting more reliable nowadays, but they still need regular maintenance and many drivers don’t know when their car really needs repair, until something happens, like car noises. You are the one that knows how your car normally sounds, so when you hear any different sounds going on, that’s when you know you need to contact a trusted auto repair pro.
Our experts in Las Vegas have written down a list for you of some of the most common noises our clients visit us for. Get familiar with these noises and why they happen so you know when you need to bring your car in for service.
10 Car Noises You Need to Notice
Hearing noises is an early warning way of knowing you could have mechanical problems. Getting to know what the different sounds your car can make when it’s not functioning properly will help you identify serious issues so you can better explain it to us. Drivers should keep an ear out for the following sounds and take proactive action should they encounter them:
#1 Hissing noises
If your engine starts making a hissing sound, it often means that there’s a leak in the cooling system. A leak in the cooling system is an urgent situation. They can cause overheating in your engine which can result in major damage. Vacuum line leaks are also serious, as they can significantly degrade your vehicle’s gas mileage or impact its drivability. Make no mistake, if you’re hearing hissing noises, a visit to a competent mechanic is important.
#2 Clunking
If you hear a clunking noise when your driving over a bump or pothole, it can be an indication of an undercarriage problem. Your tailpipe may be loose or your vehicle could have worn-out ball joints, control arm bushings, or degraded stabilizer link pins. It’s definitely worth checking out, as these problems will only get worse over time.
#3 Howling
If you’re hearing a howling noise from the rear of your vehicle, this typically indicates a problem with its differential. The differential is a device that divides engine torque, allowing each output to turn at a different speed. Differentials are typically found in all-wheel-drive vehicles, and most modern vehicles have them, too. There are several things that can cause problems with the differential, so talk to your mechanic.
#4 Squealing
If the engine is making a high-pitched noise that sounds like a squealing pig, you could be dealing with a problem in your serpentine belt. The serpentine belt is a belt used to drive your automobile’s power steering pump, alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor.
#5 Metallic Screeching When Brakes Are Applied
If you hear a noise that sounds like metal grinding on metal when you apply your brakes, it’s very likely that your brake pads have worn out and need replacement. Brake pads are what make your car able to stop. They’re made of resilient materials but will wear down over time because of all the heat and pressure they endure. Not replacing the pads will cause your vehicle to brake less effectively and will eventually lead to damage to the vehicle’s braking system.
#6 Clacking noise
If your car is making a wooden roller coaster sound, or as a train track, it’s probably your CV joints failing. CV joints are the ones that allow your car’s driveshaft to transmit power from the transmission to the car’s drive wheels.
#7 Groaning on Turns
If your vehicle makes a groaning noise whenever you round a curve or make a turn, it is often an indicator that the power steering pump needs replacement. The power steering pump gives you a hydraulic assist when turning your vehicle—without it, turning would require a lot more muscle power and would be impossible in some large vehicles.
#8 Pinging From The Engine
This sound indicates some very serious problems with combustion inside your engine. A percussive noise from your engine can indicate detonation, pre-ignition, or spark knock, all potentially very harmful to the engine. When these problems occur, your engine is not firing properly. Left unrepaired, this could cause very expensive problems for your engine.
#9 Engine knocking
If the engine is making an increasing knocking noise with RPM, this could be an expensive problem to have. If it’s a deep noise it could be a bad rod bearing. Rod bearings are engine components that turn the crankshaft. They are difficult for us to access and very expensive to replace. The problem could also involve a spun bearing, which will require extensive repair work to resolve. Lighter knocking sounds may indicate a problem with your valves, which are less expensive to repair.
#10 Crunching noise
If your vehicle makes a crunching noise while it shifts gears, it’s highly likely that you have a problem with your transmission. The transmission is vital for the vehicle’s operation. It consists of a series of gears ensuring the correct amount of power going to your wheels. When the transmission doesn’t work properly, then your car will lose its fuel economy and could even become inoperable. The sooner you address this problem, the better, because, if left unresolved, it could cause your entire transmission to require replacement—an expensive job.
Got Car Noises? Auto Body Shop Near You
At Sudden Impact Auto, our team of friendly, expert mechanics is ready and able to help with any and all of the funky sounds that are coming from your car. Stop by the shop or give us a call at 702-457-3002 today and we’ll help your car hit the right note!
