10 SOUNDS YOUR CAR SHOULDN’T BE MAKING

Key Takeaways:

• There are some sounds that your car shouldn’t make, such as roaring when accelerating, grinding noises under the hood, or scraping when braking.
• Other sounds include hissing from the engine, squealing from brakes, or rattling from under the vehicle.
• These sounds could signal a bigger problem, and it’s important to get your car checked out by a professional if you hear any of these noises.

Are you hearing strange, unfamiliar sounds coming from your car? If so, it might be trying to tell you something. In this blog post, Lee Nissan of Panama City will discuss some of the most common ten sounds your car shouldn’t be making and what they could mean for your vehicle. Knowing what these strange noises mean and taking corrective action can help ensure your car remains in top condition! So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Sound 01: Grinding Sound from Under the Hood

Numerous issues might be the cause of the engine’s grinding noises. The alternator, one of the pulleys, or the engine itself might be the source of the problem. You must do a step-by-step diagnostic for this. You must determine if the grinding starts as soon as the engine is turned on. You should take it for a spin and test the brakes if you don’t hear anything. You should be mindful of how you turn if there is still no sound. You can avoid the hassle by doing these checks before taking your car to the mechanic.

Sound 02: Roaring Noise When Accelerating

If your car is making a roaring noise when you hit the gas, it might be due to a problem with the exhaust system. It could be that the muffler has come loose, or a hole in the exhaust pipe. These issues can be fixed relatively easily. However, if the problem is with the catalytic converter, it will be more expensive to fix.

Sound 03: Scraping Sound When Braking

It is simple to pinpoint the issue with this sound. It implies that there is a braking system issue with your car. You must change brake pads and rotors regularly since they do not last forever. Make sure to spend money on premium brake pads when you replace your current ones.

Cheap brake pads can wear out sooner and damage your rotors. You do not want to replace your rotors more frequently than necessary.

Sound 04: Knocking Noise from The Engine Bay

A knocking noise from under the hood can mean your engine is low on oil. This can be a serious problem, so it’s important to check the oil level as soon as possible. If the amount of oil is low, add more and check if the knocking noise stops. If it doesn’t, your engine could have a more serious problem, and you should take it to a mechanic.

Sound 05: Squealing Noise During Acceleration

You cannot ignore this problem. You will hear a high-pitched screech as you gain speed. This is a sign that your serpentine belt is worn out or loose. This part is necessary to properly operate the alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump. The solution can be as straightforward as having the belt adjusted by a professional. If the component is too worn out, you could be better off replacing the complete unit.

Sound 06: Rattling Noise from Under the Vehicle

If you hear a metallic rattling noise while driving, it is most likely coming from your exhaust system. It could be caused by a broken hanger or a loose heat shield. These parts are designed to keep the exhaust in place and protect other components from heat. Having an expert examine the issue is the best way to solve it.

Sound 07: Noises When Shifting or Changing Gears

It is most likely due to low transmission fluid levels if you hear grinding, whining, or other strange noises when shifting gears. The fluid lubricates the moving parts in your transmission and keeps it cool. When the level gets low, it can cause the gears to grind against each other. Refilling the transmission fluid is one way you might try to solve this problem. However, if the issue continues, you may be leaking into the system. A transmission expert should examine your car to determine the problem.

Sound 08: Hissing Noise

You know you have a problem if it sounds like there is a snake beneath the hood. The engine uses many hoses, from conveying hydraulic fluid to transporting engine coolant. Because they are constructed of rubber, these hoses will not endure forever. They will eventually become brittle and fracture. Due to the intense steam pressure present at this time, the hoses will hiss loudly.

You can pop open the hood to locate the damaged hoses on your own, but it can be dangerous sometimes. If you are hesitant, it is always best to take your car to the mechanic.

Sound 09: Clicking Noise

A clicking sound when turning may indicate a CV joint issue. The axle and wheel are joined via the CV joint. It allows great flexibility so that your wheels can move up and down as you go over bumps. The clicking noise is created when the CV joint becomes damaged and can no longer function properly. You will need to have this repaired by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Sound 10: Banging Noise

A banging noise when driving over bumps can indicate an issue with your shocks or struts. These are designed to absorb the impact of going over bumps so that you don’t feel them as much. When broken, they cannot perform their duties effectively, which causes a loud bang whenever you hit a bump. This is something that a mechanic should be able to repair.

Conclusion:

Have you been experiencing any of these sound problems with your car? If so, it’s time to bring it in for a service. At Lee Nissan of Panama City, serving Laguna Beach, FL, we want to help you keep your car running like new. We also want to ensure that all those strange noises are fixed before they become bigger (and more expensive) problems.

Schedule your car service today, and let us take care of everything. We’ll get your car sounding like new again in no time!