Car noises, such as squealing or rattling, are often just a natural part of driving. But every now and then, those sounds can get our attention. When this happens, listening to what your car is trying to tell you is essential. You might not notice these sounds unless something unexpected catches your attention or if you are listening for them. Even then, if you don’t know what to listen for, the sounds can become background noise and fade into the mix. But even though understanding automotive language can be difficult and frustrating, listening when your car speaks could save you from disaster!
Knowing the causes of odd car sounds can help determine if a problem is severe and how soon you should get it checked out. If you aren’t sure whether your car’s sound results from a problem, get it checked out by an automobile expert who has experience with the make and model of your vehicle. So, if you own an extremely high-performing vehicle like an Audi car, you should look for one of the best Audi service centres in Melbourne.
10 Common car noises to never ignore
Let us have an insight into some of the most common car noises that should never ignore:
Clucking
If a clunking sound is heard when the brakes are applied, there may be significant wear or damage to the brake discs, callipers or pads. If the clunk happens when bumps are encountered, it could be a problem with the suspension or exhaust system. However, if the clunk occurs when corners are turned, it could be an issue with the steering, tyres and wheels or a worn-out wheel bearing.
Grinding
If you hear a grinding or whirring sound from your car’s gearbox, it could be a problem with the clutch thrust bearing, clutch or shafts and gears inside the transmission. If the grinding or whirring comes from under the car, it might be from the differential or gearbox, which may be low on oil, or from a universal joint or wheel bearing. Grinding under your brakes means you need new brake pads. The metal backing of the pads is grinding against the brake discs, so they won’t stop your car well and will wear out quickly.
Knocking
Engine knocking is usually a sign of serious trouble within the engine and should be checked out by a skilled mechanic as soon as possible. An expert can tell you whether the knocking is coming from an actual problem with the insides of your engine or something that can be easily fixed by getting a tune-up. Some experts refer to an engine condition that often sounds like a faint metallic ‘ping’ when accelerating and can come from an engine that’s poorly tuned or running on fuel with too low an octane rating as ‘engine knock’; however, this is technically not correct.
Spluttering
A loud banging sound from your exhaust pipe could be a significant sign of backfire, which occurs when unburned fuel exits the engine and ignites in the tailpipe. Common causes of backfires include vacuum or exhaust leaks and a problem with your catalytic converter in older cars. It indicates that the engine is out of tune. If you hear popping or spluttering from the front of your vehicle, it could mean problems with your engine’s fuel system caused by a blocked fuel filter or old spark plugs.
Hissing
A hissing sound from under the car’s hood, combined with a burning smell, indicates a fluid leak onto a hot engine part. The leak could be radiator coolant onto the engine block and exhaust manifold. It could also be a vacuum leak from one of the small hoses around the engine’s air intake.
Roaring
When you accelerate, a roaring or a plain noisy exhaust usually points to an old exhaust system that has become damaged or rusted to the point that it lets unburnt fuel and other emissions into the cabin. It won’t usually stop your car or cause further damage, but it could let exhaust emissions into the cabin, so it should be checked immediately.
Rattling
You may wonder why my car makes noise when driving. Well, it may be rattling as loose rattling sounds can come from underneath your vehicle when you start your car. It means that a part of the exhaust system, suspension or other essential components has come loose and should be checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Tapping
The sound of a ticking coming from under the hood can alert you to several problems with your car’s engine. The noise might indicate that your vehicle needs more oil. If it does, check the dipstick, add oil if necessary, and ask someone who knows about cars for help if you need it. A tick from the top end of your motor could mean a problem with the valvetrain. If your vehicle has done a lot of miles or has not been serviced regularly, it might indicate that your engine is worn-out. However, some engines can continue happily for a long time with a top-end tick, especially if the sound goes away when the engine gets heated up in warmer months.
Squealing
If a squealing sound comes from your car, it could mean that one of two things is occurring: Your vehicle’s belts are slipping, or your brake pads are worn out. An automobile expert should be able to fix this problem for you in minutes. If the squealing noise comes from the wheels when you apply the brakes, it could mean that your brake pads are old and worn out or another problem with your braking system. However, if the squealing sound comes from your tires, you should turn your cap around and go a bit easier on the accelerator.
Whining
When you hear a noise from the front or rear of your car, it could be caused by ball bearings that aren’t doing their job. A gradually growing, steady howl is usually a sign of rear-wheel bearings. If you have rear-wheel drive and the whining sound gets louder as you accelerate, it could mean that your differential, which allows each wheel to turn at different rates, is leaking fluid. Get it fixed immediately.
Conclusion
Depending on the noise you’re hearing, you may want to open your hood and see if you can find out the exact reason for the noise before taking your car to a European car mechanic Melbourne. However, you must seek assistance from a professionally trained auto mechanic. It is because a trained auto technician can explain the issues you are experiencing and provide you with the right solution. So, save yourself the headache of a breakdown by taking your car for repairs when such noises become persistent. It is particularly essential if you notice that the noise is worse with certain driving conditions. Thus, you should immediately reach out to a professional if you can’t hear the noise.
