Your Car is Trying to Talk to You

If your vehicle is making a noise that doesn’t sound right, pay attention. Especially if you can hear it over your murder podcast. The last thing you want is to be broken down on a dark road.

Car texting for help

Hear something?

RED- Get to your mechanic immediately!

YELLOW- You’ve got a little time but keep an ear on things.

GREEN- No big deal.

Brake Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did a study finding that 22% of vehicle crashes are caused by brakes that were degraded or had outright failed. Brakes are arguably the most important part of a vehicle.

High carbon brakes

Squealing brakes

A high-pitched wailing sound from the brakes is a sign that the brake pad is getting worn down. Most brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that causes the squealing noise when engaged, typically at 1-2mm of material remaining. You should have the brakes checked, as you may need to have one or more pads replaced. Replacing the pads is much cheaper than replacing rotors. YELLOW

Grinding brakes

A loud, metal-on-metal grating sound indicates that the brake material is gone and its backing is directly contacting the rotor.  Brake performance will be severely diminished and will eventually destroy the caliper and fail completely. RED

Screeching from under the hood while driving or idling

A loud shriek reminiscent of Godzilla suggests that the serpentine belt may be loose or worn. Have it checked ASAP before you are left stranded. RED

Car battery that needs cleaning.

Strange noise when starting engine

A sluggish, dragging sound, like ruhr ruhr ruhr. This means the battery is not able to create enough charge to power the engine. This isn’t an emergency, but the car may not start next week, so have that battery checked. YELLOW

Roaring sound under the driver’s seat

This is usually accompanied by a vibration of the seat as well. It likely means that there is an exhaust system leak. Poisonous emissions may be entering the cabin. There is also the potential for components to be dragged on the road, so have your vehicle checked right away. RED

Groaning when you turn the steering wheel

Usually accompanied by a stiff and unyielding steering wheel. This noise can indicate a low power steering fluid condition or air in the system.  Be sure to check the fluid level.  If it is full and there are no bubbles present than the power steering pump has likely failed.  Keep in mind that any low fluid condition also likely indicates a leak somewhere in the system. Get to your shop ASAP, this is a significant issue, as you may start to lose control of the ability to steer. RED

Leaky radiator

Hissing under the hood

A hissing sound is usually accompanied by steam and indicates a coolant leak. Hissing happens as the fluid gets into the engine cylinders, boils off as steam, and leaks out a damaged gasket. Pull over, and call for roadside assistance. RED

Tapping or clicking

Clicking that is more noticeable after the engine is off  and usually associated with the engines lubrication system.  Engine oil provides lubrication and cooling, as well as supplies pressure to other components such as variable valve timing actuators.  First, you should check oil level.  Even if the level is good and there are no other issues such as overheating, do not ignore this noise.  Get it looked at. RED

Persistent metallic knocking under the hood

A persistent metallic knocking can indicate several problems, including poor fuel quality, incorrect fuel octane levels, connecting-rod bearing wear, crankshaft bearing damage, and severe oiling problems. Get in to your mechanic as rod/crank bearing failure Will eventually prevent the engine from moving at all and often requires engine rebuild or replacement. RED

Whistling under the hood

A high-pitched whistling may reveal a leak in the air intake hose or a failure in the PCV system. Leaks can lead to engine misfiring, increased fuel consumption, and poor combustion. YELLOW

Under a vehicle.

Rattling under the vehicle

If you hear a rattling sound, this can imply a loose exhaust or suspension issues. Get your mechanic to take a look and tighten things up before they fall off.  YELLOW to RED

 

Flapping sound when AC is on

A slapping sound when the air conditioning or blowers are on can indicate a ventilation flap problem. Although it’s not a serious issue, it may affect airflow and the noise might drive you bonkers. GREEN to YELLOW

Clunking over bumps and potholes

Plunking sounds as the car hits yet another Rochester pothole is suspicious for suspension issue that may include bushings, sway bar link, worn struts, shocks, or ball joints. While this isn’t an emergency, bring the car in soon for evaluation.YELLOW

Close up on tire tread.

 Low droning noise

Worn or underinflated tires create a humming noise that increases with acceleration. Wheel bearings can also make this noise. Check tires and add air if needed. If sound goes away after that and returns, there may be a leak. If sound doesn’t go away, get a tire check by your mechanic. YELLOW

Vehicle noises are often the sign of a much bigger (i.e. more expensive) problem. Getting any new or different noise checked out as soon as possible by a professional can stop an issue before it gets worse or leaves you stranded.