Common Car Noises and their Causes
Common Car Noises and their Causes
Posted on October 4, 2023
Car Noises and What They Mean
When driving, the last thing you want to hear is any unusual or unwanted sounds coming from your vehicle. A lot of the time, this is often the first sign that something may need to be inspected or fixed. Here’s a quick rundown of some common car noises that you should never ignore and what they may mean:
What is This Noise My Car is Making?
If you hear a sound that resembles a coin in a clothes dryer or something that sounds like it is rattling around inside one of your wheels at low speeds that stops when you drive faster, it could be a loose lug nut inside one of your hub caps. Your wheel might not have been tightened properly the last time you got them replaced.
If you hear a squealing or screeching noise whenever you brake, your brake pads may be worn out. If you hear grinding or growling, your brake pads may be so worn out that metal is touching metal. This should never be ignored, as it is a significant safety problem that can reduce braking efficiency.
If you hear a popping, clicking, or snapping sound when you turn, then it could mean that one or both constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle could need replacing. This issue will only occur on front-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles.
If you have rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and you hear a rhythmic squeaking noise whenever you accelerate, then your universal joint (U-joint) may need fixing or replacing.
If you hear a howling, whining, or “singing” sound, then your bearings (tiny metal balls that help parts rotate smoothly) are most likely not doing their job. If you have rear-wheel drive and the whining sound gets louder when you accelerate, your differential may be leaking fluid.
If you hear clunking, tapping, or banging from under the hood, there could be a serious concern with valves, connecting rods, or pistons.
If you hear a squealing sound from under the hood at start-up or while accelerating, then it might be because of worn or loose accessory belts.
Service Centre
If you hear any of these sounds, do not ignore them. Get to a mechanic immediately, as many of these issues can contribute to extreme safety risks if left unchecked. At Acura of Oakville, our expert technicians and genuine parts can help fix any issue you may be experiencing. Visit our service center to learn more or to schedule an appointment.