Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

Whenever your car produces unusual noises, it's generally an indication that something is wrong with a component of your car. Problems can range from mild to severe, depending on the source of the strange sounds. From underneath the hood to the engine and brakes, we provide some guidance as to what some of the common car sounds are and what it could mean.

Squeaky Brakes

The brakes are subject to a considerable amount of tension and use each day. If you notice that the brakes make a squeaking sound, it might mean that the braking materials, such as the brake pads, are worn out. If the brake pads wear too thin, they can rub against the metal on the brakes and necessitate brake or brake part replacement. If the problem is caught early enough, major problems can be avoided by lubricating, cleaning, and adjusting the brake materials

Engine Rattling

If the engine on your car starts rattling, there may be an issue causing pre-detonation or pre-ignition, which occurs when ignition happens prematurely before the piston reaches the top of the stroke. If this problem isn't addressed, the valves, connecting rods, and pistons may become damaged.

Engine Clicking

A clicking sound that increases as the car accelerates may signify that you have insufficient amounts of oil, excessive valve lash, or worn and damaged components. One of our skilled mechanics can look at your vehicle to determine if the problem comes from the upper valvetrain, or if it is caused by a faulty part in the mechanical system that ultimately needs to be replaced.

Knocking Under the Hood

Knocking from underneath the hood warrants a trip to our mechanic shop immediately. This type of sound indicates that a major component may be loose beneath the hood, such as the connecting valves, rods, or pistons.

Engine Squealing

A squealing engine may be caused by several issues. Generally, the engine starts to squeal when one of the accessories starts to go bad, such as the water pump, alternator, or idler bearing. The issue usually stems from the roller bearing failing on one of these components.

If your car is making any of the unusual sounds above, don't hesitate to give us a call for fast and efficient repairs.