Do You Hear That? Noises That Require Attention.
You’re driving along and then you hear it. An unfamiliar noise. Wait, is that coming from your vehicle? You turn the music down and listen carefully just to make sure. Yep, your ride is making a new noise. How do you know what needs immediate attention? Here are a few tips on identifying and assessing some of the common noises that you may hear come from your vehicle.
Noises That Require Attention
Click, click, clicking
Before you can even get going your car won’t start and there is a clicking noise every time you turn the key. This is likely a dead battery. You can try to jump start it with another vehicle or charge it with a generator, but if it keeps happening you’ll need to replace your battery.
Steering whine or growl
If you notice that noises come and go as you turn, this is a good indication that your power steering system may need some investigation. This could be as simple as adding power steering fluid to the reservoir, or you may need to check the system for leaks. You’ll want to do this ASAP as driving your car with a low or a leaky system could cause damage to your power steering pump.
Hissing or sizzling
If after a drive you notice a hissing or sizzling sound once you’re parked and your car is turned off, you might have a leak somewhere. This often is caused by the sound of fluid hitting hot engine parts, or the radiator overheating. Check under the car and see if you can see or identify any liquid dripping to help you know what you need to get checked out.
Squealing or grinding
If you apply the brakes and hear squealing or grinding, it’s time to get those checked out asap. Squealing could be part of an early indicator system on your brake pads that let you know it’s time to change them out. Grinding might be a sign that the pads are already worn out, and you’re damaging your rotors with metal on metal to stop, which isn’t safe and can cost a lot of money to repair depending on how long it’s been going on. Either way, it’s time to get your brakes checked out ASAP.
Banging or clunking
If you notice that your car has started to make a banging or clunking sound when you go over speed bumps or rough patches in the road, you might want to check out your shock absorbers/struts. If these are worn out, your vehicle won’t get the support it needs. This could also be a sign that your sway bar links, bushings or ball joints are getting worn or are loose.
You Heard It
These are some of the most common noises that you might hear coming from your vehicle. Any new and unknown noise should be investigated to make sure that your vehicle continues to be in good working order and is safe to drive.
We’re listening, too
Do you need help identifying or fixing an issue that you hear? Contact any of our dealerships to learn how their service departments can diagnose and fix that new noise.