You’re driving down the road when, out of nowhere, you hear a rattling, grinding, or hissing noise. These sounds can indicate a range of issues with your car, from minor inconveniences to serious problems.
“Any kind of a different noise your car starts making, it doesn’t mean there’s a problem, but it doesn’t mean it’s OK either,” explains Tom Piippo, mechanical division director for the Automotive Service Association and owner of Tri-County Motors in Rudyard, Michigan.
Here’s a breakdown of common car noises and what they might signify:
1. Squeaking
As brakes wear down over time, the first noticeable sound is often squeaking, which can later develop into a grinding noise.
“Then that’s going to turn into a heavy rumble,” says John Burkhauser, an auto repair specialist and director of educational programs for Bolt On Technology. “That’s one of the things you don’t want to play with because brakes are safety.”
Squeaking and squealing noises from your car could stem from minor issues, such as worn serpentine belts or brake pads, which are relatively easy to address. However, these sounds can also indicate more serious problems with components like the suspension or power steering systems.
If you notice a squeaking noise while driving, it’s important not to ignore it. Such sounds can serve as early warning signs of potentially severe issues, so it’s best to have a professional inspect your vehicle. Delaying action could lead to higher repair costs and even pose safety risks.
There are various reasons why a car might squeak while driving, making it crucial to note when the noise occurs. For instance, if the squeaking happens when you press the brake pedal, the cause is likely straightforward—it’s your brakes needing attention.
2. Ticking and Tapping
With many modern vehicles, oil change intervals are spaced far apart, and sometimes people forget to schedule them altogether. Neglecting your oil can lead to significant issues for your car.
“A rambling sound out of the engine is usually one of the indicators that hey, I’m running out of oil,” says Burkhauser.
“And of course, that’s the heart of the vehicle. The engine will go bad really fast without oil.” In addition to unusual noises, mechanics often discover other peculiar things inside vehicles.
3. Rattling
For drivers with front-wheel drive, a rattling noise during hard turns or acceleration could point to water intrusion in the joints that enable tire movement, leading to deterioration.
“It’s pretty obvious,” says Burkhauser. “I hear a lot of cars drive by me, and I immediately know what it is.” Loose heat shields on exhaust pipes are another potential cause, according to Piippo. Additionally, rattling might signal issues with your muffler or brakes.
4. Booms
A “boom boom boom” sound when driving over bumps typically signals a problem with the suspension, such as a faulty strut or shock.
“Again, that’s something you want to get addressed because the struts and shocks help give you control while you’re driving the vehicle,” Burkhauser advises.
A sudden loud boom, however, could indicate a critical failure, such as a broken ball joint or suspension component, which could result in a loss of vehicle control.
5. Whining
If your automatic transmission emits noticeable noise, it’s usually not a good sign. “When you put it in gear, you shouldn’t get any clunks or a hard bang when it happens,” Burkhauser explains.
“And when you’re driving the vehicle, you shouldn’t hear any whining. Any of those things are signs that something is wrong with the transmission.”
While transmission repairs are essential, be mindful of potential ways to waste money on unnecessary car expenses.
6. Tire Noise
Over time, drivers may become accustomed to their car’s usual sounds and fail to notice new noises that develop gradually.
For instance, tire noises might suggest an issue with the vehicle’s alignment or suspension.
Various factors can contribute to tire noises while driving. Frequently, these sounds are simply the result of air being compressed within the tire treads.
Different tread patterns generate varying levels of noise; for instance, tires designed for heavy towing or off-road use are typically louder due to their deeper treads. These tread-related sounds are normal and usually not a cause for concern.
That said, if tire noises become progressively louder over time or suddenly start without prior warning, it could indicate a problem with your tires or wheels. Below are some potential issues that may lead to tire noise.
Burkhauser recommends occasionally taking along a passenger who doesn’t usually ride in your car to help identify any unusual sounds you might have overlooked.
7. Hissing
A high-pitched squeak or hissing sound can point to problems with engine hoses.
“That could be either a hose off or a vacuum leak or an air leak,” explains Piippo, adding that it might also involve the belt system. Such leaks can negatively impact your dashboard functionality, fuel efficiency, and engine performance.
8. Grinding
Grinding noises indicate that metal components are rubbing against each other and should be addressed immediately.
If the sound comes from under the hood, it could mean an issue with the water pump, alternator, or drive belt.
9. Squealing
A squealing sound during acceleration may be a sign of trouble with your car’s belt. “These cars only have one belt, and if that belt breaks, you’re stranded,” Piippo warns. Taking preventive steps can help avoid costly repairs.
10. Knocking
Knocking noises from the engine might mean the car is low on fluids, or they could indicate a severe problem, such as faulty rod bearings. In this case, a new engine might be necessary.
However, early detection of such issues can save you significant expenses. “With regular maintenance, you’ll get the small problems before they get big,” says Piippo.
Engine knock typically happens when the air and fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders fails to ignite in a controlled manner, or when unintended contact occurs between metal components that should not touch.
In a properly functioning engine, fuel—usually gasoline—is blended with air before being compressed. Once compressed, a spark plug ignites this mixture, causing combustion.
The resulting explosion forces the engine’s pistons downward, generating the power that drives the vehicle. This cycle repeats continuously, enabling the engine to function and propel the car forward.
By paying attention to these sounds and acting promptly, you can prevent minor problems from turning into major repairs.
