You’re cruising across town one warm, sunny day with your window down, and as you approach a red light you bring your car to a stop. Suddenly, your ears hear some unusual rattling noises coming from somewhere underneath the vehicle. You immediately turn off the radio, but the strange racket is still there. A pit forms in your stomach as you imagine what could possibly be wrong with your car. Is it my engine? My brakes? Exhaust? Knowing the warning sounds of a potentially costly, or even dangerous, vehicle problem is important, and could help save you much trouble later. To assist your efforts, here are 5 strange noises that could indicate something’s wrong with your car.
As your engine runs, fuel is ignited inside each cylinder. A metallic knocking or pinging sound is probably due to an ignition malfunction caused by one or more of the following:
When you hear a knocking or pinging noise originating from under your hood, it’s best to take it in promptly to a mechanic for a check-up.
There are several engine components that can start making a “popping” sound when something’s gone bad, including:
A popping sound when your car’s running is simply not good. Take it to an auto repair shop and have them give it a “once-over”.
Ticking noises are best left to clocks, and a clicking sound is great when you’re fastening your seatbelt. But when your car’s making these sounds while running, something’s usually wrong.
Ticking or clicking sounds can mean:
In this situation try a DIY fix of adding some oil to your engine first. If the clicking or ticking persists, take it into a shop and let a pro inspect your ride.
More-often-than-not, when you hear grinding and rubbing, especially when you’re stopping your vehicle, it’s related to your brakes. Those sounds usually indicate your brakes pads are completely worn down, and that the metal calipers and rotors are rubbing together every time you apply the brakes. Besides the obnoxious metallic rubbing sound, other signs of excessive brake wear include:
Brakes that are making grinding or rubbing noises are nothing to ignore. Take your vehicle immediately to an automotive technician and have them inspected.
This is usually a symptom of a worn exhaust system, as they tend to rust out over time. Does your car’s engine also sound louder or “throaty” when you accelerate? If your exhaust system has sprung a leak, the exhaust fumes can filter up into the passenger compartment, and that’s not safe. Parts found within your exhaust system that may need to be replaced include:
Once your exhaust starts to rattle and gets progressively louder, you run the risk of part of it falling off while driving. So, if you suspect that your exhaust system needs some repairs, take it promptly to a shop that specializes in those repairs.
When your vehicle starts making the strange sounds listed above, take it to a mechanic and have it inspected. If you’re involved in an accident, bring it instead to a reliable auto body shop to have those damages repaired by technicians who specialize in accident-related noises. Pros at a collision repair shop nearby have the training, experience and equipment to restore your vehicle and peace-of-mind, and then get you back on the road promptly and safely. Most shops warranty their repairs, so if you hear an unusual noise after the work is done, simply bring it back in and they’ll get it resolved. Most body shops also work directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to. To search your zip code now for a better auto body shop in your area, visit: www.carwise.com.
