It’s normal for your vehicle to make a questionable sound once in awhile, but if you notice a consistent noise coming from your car, you’ll want to investigate and see where the noise is coming from. Not all car noises mean that your car is breaking down or needs a service, but sometimes a noise from your vehicle could mean a big problem. Use our handy guide to determine what your vehicle needs, and how to address noises coming from your car.
1. If Your Vehicle Is Whistling
If you hear whistling inside your car while driving, it’s most likely an issue with you vehicle’s weather-stripping. If your not sure where the whistling is coming from, drive with the windows down for a short distance and pay attention to the sounds that come from the car. Whistling that could appear to be coming from inside the car could actually be coming from the wheels or the engine. If you’re not sure where the noise is coming from, take the vehicle in for a professional assessment.
2. Ticking coming from the engine
When you have low oil in your engine, or a worn out timing belt it could cause the components of the valvetrain to knock and make a ticking noise. This means that the components are not being lubricated well enough, your timing is off or may be due to a small oil leak somewhere in in the engine, so if a ticking noise persists, take your vehicle in to be checked by a professional as soon as possible before you cause permanent damage that will be very costly to repair.
3. A Grinding or Squeaking Noise When You Brake
Manufacturers of vehicles actually have built-in noise mechanisms to alert you to when your car needs a replacement of parts. According to Autoevolution: “A loud, screech noise when applying the brakes is an indication that your brake pads need to be replaced. In fact, this type of noise is factory-built, so to speak. Modern brake pads feature on the side a piece of metal which, as the pads wear out, comes in contact with the metal of the brake disc to warn the driver to go service the brakes. “
4. Loud Engine Idling
An engine that is in good condition should make noise while idling, but it shouldn’t be deafening. If you feel like your car is making more noise than it usually does, it could mean an issue with your cylinder compression. If there is uneven air-fuel rotation in the cylinder, it could cause your vehicle to sound louder than it usually does. This kind of issue is dangerous, and could lead to extensive engine damage or engine knock. Make sure to take this kind of issue to a professional if your car is making these sorts of noises.
5. A Loud and Raspy Sounding Exhaust
If your vehicle sounds like a racecar when you accelerate, there may be a hole in your muffler. You may also smell un-filtered exhaust fumes in the cabin which can be very dangerous to inhale. This kind of problem is cheap to fix at a muffler shop, so take your car to your local shop to have it inspected for leaks on a lift.
If you’re ever concerned about the noises your car is making, take your car in for a service. Most insurance companies will cover routine maintenance on your car, so check with your current provider to see what you receive per year. If you’re not satisfied with your current provider, compare your car insurance policy to others on the market to ensure you hit the road safely.