Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

When your car starts making noises, you may be worried or alarmed. As irritating as car noises can be, they are also a good indication that your vehicle likely needs service or repair. Knowing what underlying issue you are dealing with also helps you determine how soon to take the car to a mechanic for inspection. Below are a few common sounds to look out for and what they indicate about your car's condition.

Squeaky Brakes

Squeaking brakes begin when parts in the braking system wear out unevenly or become worn out entirely. One of the most frequent causes of this sound is the brake pads. The brake pads sometimes lose their protective lining, causing a part called the metal wear indicator to become exposed. The exposed part then creates a squeaking sound as you drive. Components in the braking system, such as the disc, drums, rotors, or calipers, can also squeak.

Engine Rattling

A rattling engine sound usually comes from an ignition that doesn't happen at the right time. In this case, an ignition can happen prematurely as the piston moves up on the compression stroke. The problem is generally caused by a mixture of air and fuel in the engine cylinder.

Engine Clicking

The engine can begin clicking for several reasons. A bearing attached to the rod may go bad, which causes the rod to move around and knock into neighboring components. Parts called reciprocating components can also wear out and go bad to produce the same sound. Low oil levels may also produce clicking sounds.

Knocking Under the Hood

Knocking noises coming from beneath the hood usually start when components go bad and become loose. Hoses and other parts can produce banging or clanging sounds when they move around too much. The noise may come from the engine itself, including issues with spark plugs.

Engine Squealing

Weakened accessory parts usually cause a squealing engine. This includes the alternator and water pump, which are two critical parts of your car's health and performance. Worn accessory belts or serpentine belts that are improperly fitted are also likely to produce a squealing sound from the engine.

If you hear strange sounds emanating from your car, be sure to contact our expert service team in Phoenix, AZ, to make an appointment today.