If we’re all being honest, we’re much more likely to take notice of car problems that are making a noise. Which means that when you first hear that initial rattle or squeak, it may be very tempting to immediately panic. In this situation, it’s very hard to know what the best plan of action is for car noises. Should you pull over straight away? Should you wait until you get home to call an expert? Or should you just hope for the best and book it in when you can? Well, we would never recommend the latter, but if you’re not sure what your squeak, rattle or grinding noise means, then this is the blog for you. We’ve made a list of car noises that shouldn’t be left unnoticed to help you determine what is wrong with your car.
A Loud Banging Noise
We’ll start this list off with, arguably, the hardest sound to ignore. Often a loud banging noise will quickly catch our attention, and for good reason, as this can usually be a sign that your engine has backfired. If you hear this noise, it could be as a result of a clogged air filter, which means air is being prevented from mixing with your car’s fuel.
Alternatively, this noise can also be an indication that your car is having problems with the catalytic converter. Both issues are equally as dangerous and should be looked at immediately.
Rattling sound coming from underneath your car
This is the noise that usually prompts us to turn our music to low and roll our windows down. If you notice a rattling sound that seems to be coming from underneath your car, then this could be an indication that your exhaust needs to be checked. If you’re still not sure whether your car is making this noise while you’re driving, it may be helpful to listen out for it while you’re stationary, as it can be much easier to hear.
In the event that you do detect this noise, you may be in need of a new catalytic converter. This is a very important part of your car and shouldn’t go unfixed as it controls harmful emissions. While they tend to last for around 10 years, or up to 100,00 miles, they can also wear out faster, especially in vehicles that tend to be used for short journeys with lots of stopping and starting in them.
Alternatively, this noise may also be an indication that your exhaust has become misaligned, or that the mountings, support brackets or clamps are loose. Of course, all of these issues can be very dangerous if left unfixed, so we would always recommend getting this issue fixed.
A Hissing Sound
This next noise is another unmissable one. A hissing sound is always unusual and should never be left unfixed. If your car starts to make a hissing sound, it could be a sign that your engine is overheating. Alternatively, it can also happen if a hole or crack has appeared in a rubber hose, which causes steam to escape.
Whatever the cause of this sound is, it calls for immediate attention as the former can be very dangerous to the vehicle user.
A Squealing Sound Coming From Your Brakes
This sound often indicates worn brake pads, so if you start to hear a squealing noise when you apply your brakes, then you should arrange a trip to the car garage. These pads have built-in indicators that alert the driver when they wear too thin and need to be replaced. Which means that this noise can be fixed easily by a mechanic fitting new brake pads and shouldn’t take too long.
However, we urge you to get this problem fixed immediately as, if left untreated, the squealing sound will eventually turn to a grinding sound, which means the brake callipers are coming into contact with the brake discs which creates a much more expensive problem for you.
Contact Us today and we can help put your mind at rest!