The primary benefit of owning a car is that you can go anywhere without having to endure a grueling commute. However, owning a car also requires you to keep it in top condition to ensure that it’s in working order. If not, it will have problems. The easiest way to find out if a car has issues is if it’s making sounds that are out of the ordinary.
This article lists down some of the most common out-of-the-ordinary noises a car might make. Read on below to learn more.
#1 – Clicking Sounds at a Turn
Clicking noises may get louder or softer depending on the movement of your tires. If this is the case, bad CV joints are likely to blame. CV joints allow the wheels to move independently of one another. A CV joint could wear out if the suspension parts are out of alignment or if the suspension parts are damaged.
#2 – Droning Noises
This is another noise you hear when you’re accelerating. A failing or loose power steering pump can cause this noise. This pump is responsible for providing pressure for the power steering system. As it loses pressure, the sound gets louder. If the pump is losing pressure and can no longer provide support for the power steering, it could damage the power steering system.
Another thing that causes this noise is worn tires. As the tire wears down, the grooves will expand and become more pronounced, resulting in a higher frequency and volume of the noise.
#3 – Grinding Noises When Braking
If you hear grinding sounds when you’re slowing down, this could be a sign that your brakes need to be replaced. The brakes’ function is to slow down your car. As you apply the brakes, you will hear screeching sounds coming from the brakes.
Other issues could cause these noises. For example, if the rotors are worn out, they will grind against the calipers. Calipers are responsible for squeezing the brake pads against the rotor. If this is the case, it will rub against the calipers, causing grinding sounds.
Besides grinding, a worn-out brake rotor can also make a hissing or squeaking sound when the brake pedal is pressed.
#4 – High-Pitched Squealing Noises
If you’re hearing high-pitched squealing noise, your serpentine belt is most likely the culprit. This belt drives the alternator, the power steering pump, and the air conditioning compressor. The squealing noise is a sign that the belt is loose. Aside from this, a loose belt is also a sign that there may be other problems with the belt-driven accessories. For example, if there’s a problem with the alternator and the belt is loose, the alternator won’t provide enough power to start your car.
A loose belt also puts strain on the pulleys and the bearings and could cause these components to wear faster. This could lead to more problems down the road if not corrected immediately.
#5 – Humming Noise When Accelerating
As you’re driving, you may hear a low-pitched hum that gets louder as you go faster, similar to the sound of an airplane taking off. When you take a turn, it’s louder. If you turn in the other direction, there’s no noise.
A wheel bearing is likely to blame for this noise. The sound of a wheel bearing usually increases as you accelerate and decreases when you accelerate. If the noise is still there even after you’ve accelerated, then it’s not coming from the engine itself.
#6 – Whining Sounds at a Turn
If you’re hearing loud, whining sounds when turning, it could be a sign of a worn or missing wheel bearing. A wheel bearing supports the wheel’s weight and allows the wheel to spin freely. A wheel bearing could wear out if the axle or the hub is made poorly.
Other places could also make this noise. If the noise is coming from the front, and you hear it when you turn, it could be the strut. If it’s coming from the rear, it could be the tie rod ends.
#7 – Rumbling Noises
Rumbling noises are most likely caused by a leak in your car’s exhaust system. An exhaust system is responsible for collecting the exhaust gases produced by your car’s engine and directing them out of the vehicle. If the exhaust system is faulty, these gases will leak out of the exhaust, resulting in a rumbling sound.
If the leak is small, it can be sealed by a mechanic. Big leaks may require that you replace the entire exhaust system. If left unrepaired, the leak could result in carbon monoxide being emitted into the air. Carbon monoxide is toxic, so it’s essential to have this leak repaired as soon as possible.
Conclusion
From the car starting up to the car shutting down, a car makes various noises. Some noises are expected, and some are not. If the noises you’re hearing don’t sound like they belong in a car, or if they sound very unusual, then it’s best to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
If you’re looking for mechanics in Hoover, AL, look no further than Hoover Automotive! Our experienced automobile specialists will ensure that your car is in peak performance through services such as general repairs, diagnostic tests, and applying performance upgrades. Contact us today to learn more!