Cars make so many noises, that it can be difficult to tell the normal ones from the bad ones. Noises can be a sign of trouble or a potential safety issue. Here are some car noises you shouldn’t ignore.
1 – High Pitched Screeching
High pitched squealing or screeching noises when you press on your brakes is a sign that your brake pads have worn down. Don’t let this linger too long. Once the pads are completely worn out, your brakes may no longer work. Plus, you may do damage to other components, resulting in higher repair costs.
2 – Clunking
Clunking sounds while going over bumps is a sign that your shocks have failed. You should not only hear this, but you should feel it too. If your ride is much less smooth or comfortable, and you hear a clunking noise, it’s time to have your shocks checked. Typically, all 4 won’t fail at the same time. It’s normally just one,… or both in the front or back.
3 – Squealing
Squealing noises, particularly in a repetitive pattern, is likely from one of the drive belts. They can slip out of place or become loose. Have a mechanic look into this right away.
4 – Hissing
Hissing or whistling noises are often a sign of some type of leak within a hose, of which there are many connected to different parts of your engine. Sometimes the leak is within the hose itself, and other times from connection points. Hoses do wear down over time, so leaks can be common as your vehicle ages. Hissing is among the noises you should not ignore. Consider it an early warning sign and address the problem before it gets severe and damages other parts of your engine.
5 – Knocking
Knocking or banging sounds from the engine are never a good sign. It can be caused by a variety of problems, but are car noises that you shouldn’t ignore. In fact, you may want to avoid driving your car until you figure out what’s wrong with it. It can be something simple, like adding lubricant, or much more complex. Either way, don’t risk driving the car and creating a bigger problem.
More on Car Noises You Shouldn’t Ignore
You drive your car every day and know the typical sounds it makes. Any time you hear a new noise, be sure to investigate it. The above are just examples of a few car noises you shouldn’t ignore. There are many other sounds that may indicate a big problem. The sooner you address an issue, the better. Catching issues earlier prevent them from becoming bigger problems and costing you more money!
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