Everything You Need To Know About Car Noises And What They Mean

Kristine
October 3, 2018
It is normal sometimes to hear car noises, experience a bit of shaking or even hear odd sounds from time to time. But, at what point does this noises signify that there is something wrong with the vehicle?
 
In this article, we’ve gathered the most common noises that a car gives out. These sounds correspond to a particular piece of the vehicle part that needs to get checked.

1. Engine Noises

The moment combustion happens; this triggers the car to start accelerating. A steady hum of the engine’s pistons going up and down inside the engine’s cylinders means the engine is working. As the car moves faster, the car’s noise changes. You’ve got engine trouble if you hear tapping, slapping or hear an occasional hum from the piston. This means that its time to bring it for repairs

Common Engine Troubles:

  • Battery issues
  • Lifter adjustmen
  • Starting a car with a battery problem
  • Trany slipping
  • Tapping Valves
  • Pistons slapping
  • Engine seizing up

2. Belt Noises

Belt noises come from the rubber that stretches and get worn out over time. If you hear noises like squealing, chirping, rumbling and squeaking, that’s belt problem.

Common Belt & Pulley Trouble:

  • Belt is worn-out
  • The water pump is not working
  • Misaligned Belt

3. Hose Noises

Hose, like fan belts, gets worn down and cracked over time. When you hear a hissing sound, it means that pressure is building up and that the hose is failing. Head on to the nearest repair shop.

Common Hose Trouble:

  • Leak in the vacuum hose
  • Gurgling sound from the coolant
  • Sluggish/diminishing engine performance

4. Suspension Noises

Suspension issues aren’t determined right away. While driving, you might notice subtle changes in the performance of the car. These changes can give you clues that you have suspension trouble. For suspension issue, it feels rough, bouncy, during turns you hear a squeak and tires are shaking. You’d also notice sudden dips when you step on the break.

Common Suspension Troubles:

  • Steering Column
  • Brake Issues
  • Bad ball joint
  • Struts

5. Brake Noises

When you hear a high pitch squealing, it’s a sign that your brake pad needs to get replaced. Brake noises happen when soft-metal wear indicator rubs against the brake. You will hear a squealing sound. It’s the metal grinding sound that means that brake pads may be damaging the brake rotors.

Common Break Trouble:

  • Brake Light On
  • Squealing, Squeaking or Grinding Noises
  • Wobbling, Vibration or Scraping When Braking
  • Leaking Fluid
  • Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
  • Car Pulling to One Side When Braking
  • Burning Smell While Driving
  • Bouncing Up and Down When You Stop Short

6. Exhaust System Noises

Exhaust system noises are most likely to get affected by rust due to the amount of acidic moisture that it gets. Once the silencer makes a loud roaring noise, it means that there is a problem. If you hear a hissing sound, this indicates a crack in the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe or a leaking gasket. A chugging noise could mean a blockage in the exhaust system.

Common Exhaust Troubles: 

  • Loud Exhaust
  • The decrease in Vehicle Power
  • Hanging Exhaust Pipe
  • Hole in muffler
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