Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

If you hear strange sounds coming from your vehicle, this is often a sign that something needs to be checked out. Fortunately, the specific sound you hear is enough to let you know where to start to diagnose the problem.

Squeaky Brakes

If you hear a squeaking or squealing sound when applying your brakes, it is usually a safe bet that your brakes are starting to wear out. The sound you hear is most likely the metal backplate behind the brake pad coming into contact with the wheel instead of the brake pad. Have the brake pads replaced as soon as possible to prevent irreparable damage.

Engine Rattling

A rattling noise coming from the engine can be caused by several issues, including overheating, incorrect ignition timing, and incorrect octane fuel. Each of these situations causes an imbalance in the fuel to air mixture in the engine, leading to premature ignition of the mixed gases. If left alone, this can cause damage to important engine components, including pistons, connecting rods, and valves.

Engine Clicking

If you hear a clicking noise from your engine, it is probably low on oil. This is easy enough to check. Just follow the instructions in your car's manual for checking oil levels. If your engine is low on oil, make sure to fill it up to the manufacturer's specifications to avoid damage to parts of the upper valvetrain.

Knocking Under the Hood

If you hear this, immediately take your vehicle to a certified mechanic. There may be serious damage to major components of your engine, such as connecting rods, pistons, or other parts. This is a significant issue that needs to be dealt with right away, as it is both a safety hazard and can cause considerable damage to the vehicle.

Engine Squealing

Depending on the age of your vehicle, this could be caused by a few different sources. Older vehicles may have a loose or worn out accessory belt. These are used to run various systems, such as the air conditioner and the alternator. Newer vehicles would likely have a problem with the serpentine belt in much the same way.

If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your vehicle, we welcome you to bring your vehicle into our dealership service center. Our experienced technicians can get to the bottom of what's causing the strange sound and help you remedy the situation.