It is fairly normal for vehicles to sound different as they get older. However, some noises might indicate car problems more serious than just aging. Here are some common noises that your car may be due for urgent repairs.
Squealing or Screeching Under the Hood
If you hear squealing or screeching under the hood of your car when it starts or accelerates, have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. It is likely that the serpentine belt or accessory belts have come loose. These should be repaired urgently as they affect multiple functions at once, and if they suddenly give out, the car will not work at all.
Tapping or Banging Under the Hood
If there is a rhythmic tapping or banging from under the hood as you drive, pull into a shop as you can. There might be an issue with the valves or pistons. If the noise sounds more like clunking, the cause might be the same, or it could indicate a problem with your shock absorbers.
Squealing or Singing as You Accelerate
These sounds will differ depending on whether you have a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or four-wheel drive. If your vehicle is a front-wheel drive and whines or sings when you turn left, right, and left again, there might be a problem with your bearings.
Rear-wheel and four-wheel drives tend to give off a rhythmic squeak when the universal joint (U-joint) is faulty. If the sound is best described as a growing whine, your differential might be causing the noise, especially when you accelerate. All mentioned problems need urgent professional attention.
Rattling in Wheels or Exhaust
A rattling noise coming from inside the wheel that is only audible when you drive at low speeds but disappears at high speeds might indicate a lug nut that was not properly tightened.
If it is not from inside a wheel, it may be the exhaust. The exhaust system usually rattles when it needs alignment, chugs when there is a blockage, and hisses when there is a crack.
Clicking or Popping Only When You Turn
When CV joints need to be replaced, you can tell by the clicking or popping sound the car makes when you turn. This noise usually stops completely when you are steering straight.
Ticking While Stationary
If your car ticks while you idle, it might be time to change the oil. Pull into the nearest gas station and get an oil change. If the sound persists, consider consulting a mechanic.
Grinding or Squealing Brakes
When brake pads are near the end of their life, they tend to squeal. However, if they give off a grinding sound, the wear and tear might be extensive. Grinding or howling is usually caused when metal touches metal. In both cases, have the brake pads replaced before they endanger your safety.
Other Car Problem Sounds to Look Out For
In addition to the above-mentioned noises, pay attention to low-pitched humming coming from anywhere in the vehicle, as well as thudding sounds from the tires, which might indicate an incorrect air pressure level.
In general, any sounds your car makes should be inspected. This is especially true if they are rhythmic and/or get worse over time. Pay attention to when your vehicle makes those sounds. Can you hear them when you accelerate or are only driving at low speeds? And where exactly from the car are they coming from? This is all useful information to give to the mechanic.
To preserve the condition of your car and to protect your safety, do not ignore car sounds. While some noises might indicate minor problems, others can signal serious issues. If car problem sounds are rhythmic and persistent, see a mechanic for repairs as soon as possible.