Imagine this: You’re out for a long, relaxing ride when suddenly your car starts making strange noises.
At that moment, as your mind races to figure out what’s wrong, you may also be stressed about what you should do next.
But don’t worry — we have all the answers you need.
We’ve listed down different types of noises a car can make and their causes to save you from drowning in uncertainty. We’ll also tell you why ignoring these sounds can be a bad idea.
Let’s decode what your car is trying to tell you.
This Article Contains:
10 Common Car Noises and What They Mean
Here are some of the common noises your car might make and their causes:
1. Whining, Squealing, or Screeching Sounds from the Engine
A screeching or squealing sound is something most drivers have experienced.
Here are the reasons behind this engine noise:
- Worn drive belt: If your drive or serpentine belt is faulty, you may hear a squealing sound when you start your car, and it may worsen as the engine revs increase. If that’s the case, you should get a belt adjustment or replacement. The mechanic might also check the pulley bearings since they, too, can produce a squealing noise.
- Low power steering fluid: Engine squealing sounds can result from low power steering fluid levels due to a system leak. This squealing noise may intensify with speed as you turn the steering wheel. A faulty power steering pump or aerated fluid can also produce whining or squeaking noises.
- Failing automatic transmission pump: A faulty pump or low transmission fluid levels can cause a whining noise that increases with engine speed. This issue might occur alongside a slipping transmission.
Note: Malfunctioning air-conditioning compressors and faulty alternator bearings can also produce whining noises.
2. Ticking, Tapping, or Rattling Noise from the Engine
Engine rattling or ticking noises aren’t as alarming as other car sounds on the list, but they can be severe. Their possible causes include:
- Noisy fuel injectors: While some fuel injectors emit a natural buzzing sound when their valves open and close, noisy or leaking fuel injectors may produce an engine clicking or ticking noise. When that happens, it’s best to have a mechanic look at it.
- Inadequate engine oil level: Low oil levels are the most common cause of engine clicking noise. Low engine oil levels mean vital engine components are not getting adequate lubrication.
- Worn valvetrain components: A ticking, tapping, or rattling sound points to worn-out valvetrain components like lifters, camshaft lobes, and valves. Since diagnosing this car problem can be challenging, you should consult an automotive professional.
- Exhaust manifold leak: If there’s an exhaust manifold leak, you may hear an engine rattling or ticking noise. Sometimes, this rattling noise disappears after the car engine warms up and the metals expand. But ignoring it can affect your gas mileage and lead to a loss of power.
3. Knocking Sound from the Engine
If you hear an engine knocking sound, it could be stemming from:
- Low-quality gasoline: If you use low-octane gasoline in a car that needs high-octane fuel, you may hear a knocking or pinging engine noise. Lower-quality fuel can harm the spark plugs and make the engine pistons move unevenly, creating a knocking noise. So, always use the gasoline grade recommended for your car.
- Worn spark plug: Your car’s spark plugs turn electrical energy into a spark that ignites the fuel and air in your engine. If they are old or faulty, they can cause problems with ignition and lead to engine knocking. You should get a spark plug replacement to address the issue.
- Carbon build-up: Gasoline contains carbon, which can accumulate and form deposits on essential engine components like the surfaces of the combustion chamber. When carbon builds up in your engine, it causes the air-fuel mixture to ignite prematurely, producing a knocking sound.
4. Hissing Sound from Under the Car Hood
A hissing sound coming from underneath your car’s hood is a serious issue that can be caused by common problems like:
- Coolant leak: Your car’s coolant system removes excess heat from the engine and maintains its temperature. Cooling system leaks can happen due to hose or water pump failure and should be repaired ASAP.
- Overheating engine: Low coolant causes the engine to overheat, making a hissing noise. You shouldn’t attempt to open the radiator cap if the engine’s hot, as the remaining coolant will be under pressure. Once the engine has cooled, you can top off the coolant, but chances are it may leak out again. So, visit a mechanic to fix the leaks.
- Exhaust leak: If your cooling system is fine, but you hear a hissing noise from your car, it could be an exhaust leak caused by a damaged exhaust manifold, pipes, or a leaking gasket. It’s best to visit a mechanic and get the damaged parts replaced.
5. Grinding Noise When Changing Gears
Hearing a grinding noise when you change gears is a serious issue that could leave you stuck on the road if not addressed. Common causes include:
- Worn clutch: In manual transmission vehicles, a grinding noise when changing gears may indicate a worn clutch, damaged gear teeth, or worn synchronizers.
- Transmission problems: A grinding sound can indicate low fluid levels in manual and automatic transmission vehicles. In automatic cars, it could also be caused by a damaged planetary gear set. To prevent transmission damage, have these issues checked and repaired by a mechanic immediately.
6. Grinding, Clunking, or Scraping Noise When Braking
If your brakes are making grinding, screeching, or clunking sounds, here are some reasons behind it:
- Worn brake pad: Your vehicle’s brake pads are made of ceramic or semi-metallic materials and can wear out with use. As your brake pad wears out, its metal backing plate contacts the brake rotor, resulting in a grinding, screeching, or scraping sound. This is an indication that your brake pads need replacement.
- Faulty brake caliper: If your brakes don’t respond when you push the brake pedal, and you hear a clunking noise, it means the brake caliper is damaged or mounted incorrectly. Visit a mechanic and get your brake caliper replaced or adjusted for safe braking.
7. Rumbling Noise When Idling
If you hear a rumbling noise while idling that gets louder as you accelerate, the likely causes include:
- Exhaust leak: This could be due to a faulty gasket or problems within the exhaust system components, such as the flex pipe or muffler. To resolve this issue, you must repair or replace the damaged component.
- Damaged hydraulic valve lifters: A rumbling noise while idling is often caused by faulty hydraulic valve lifters, which open and close the engine’s intake and exhaust valves.
- Piston slap: When the pistons don’t fit within the cylinders due to wear, they can move sideways and produce a slapping noise called a piston slap.
8. Clicking or Humming Noise When Turning the Wheel
Notice a clicking sound while turning the wheel?
Here are some possible causes:
- Worn CV axle or wheel bearing: A clicking or humming noise that intensifies as you accelerate while turning the wheel may be caused by a bad wheel bearing or a worn CV axle. So, if you hear a hum or clicking noise, ask an automotive mechanic to check your axles and bearings.
- Inadequate lubrication: Lack of grease can dry and wear out car axles and wheel bearings, producing a clicking sound. A mechanic can resolve this by reapplying grease or replacing the wheel bearings.
9. Droning, Wobbling, or Flapping Noise from Tires
Tire and wheel hub issues can also produce strange noises. This mostly happens due to:
- Tire wear: If you hear a droning noise that intensifies as you accelerate, it might be caused by an old or worn-out tire. This strange sound indicates your tires are “feathered,” which means the treads are wearing unevenly.
- Loose wheel nuts: If your car makes a wobbling sound (like a washing machine on a spin cycle), it could be due to loose wheel nuts or low tire pressure. This is risky as these problems can lead to a complete wheel hub detachment or a tire blowout.
- Broken fan belt: If you hear a flapping noise similar to a flat tire, but all your tires are inflated, it could suggest a broken fan belt. A mechanic will usually replace a faulty fan belt.
10. Loud Bang from the Rear of the Car
A loud banging noise from the vehicle’s rear means your car’s backfiring. This can happen due to:
- Poor air-fuel ratio: An imbalance in the air-fuel ratio can cause an engine to run “rich” or “lean” and delay combustion. This delay causes the air-fuel mixture to ignite as the exhaust valve opens, resulting in a loud popping noise.
- Exhaust leaks: Leaks in the exhaust system or vacuum lines can affect engine pressure and airflow, disturbing the engine’s regular operation and causing backfires.
- Catalytic converter issues: A malfunctioning catalytic converter can cause small amounts of unburnt fuel to accumulate in the exhaust system. If there’s enough fuel build-up, heat from the exhaust system or engine bay can ignite it, causing a backfire.
Got more doubts?
Check out the FAQs.
3 FAQs on Diagnosing Car Noises
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about diagnosing car noises:
1. Why Does My Car Make a Whistling Noise?
A whistling noise in a car usually has fewer potential causes than other common car noises, making it easier to diagnose. However, it’s crucial to note when the noise occurs during vehicle operation.
Here are some conditions when your car might make this noise and the reasons behind it:
- While driving: If you hear a whistling noise while driving, it could be due to dirty fuel injectors or a loose, worn, or wet serpentine belt.
- During acceleration: Whistling during acceleration might be caused by vacuum leaks from a damaged hose, low transmission fluid, or a deteriorating window seal.
- When the engine is off: Hearing a whistling noise with the engine off could indicate a damaged or loose radiator pressure cap.
2. What Should I Do if My Car Makes a Strange Noise?
When your car starts making an unusual noise, you should figure out where it’s coming from, such as the engine bay, brakes, tires, etc, to narrow down the cause of the problem. For example, a ticking or rattling sound from the engine could indicate a leaking fuel injector or low oil levels, while screeching from the tires might suggest worn brake pads.
However, it’s best not to try DIY repairs, as you could make things worse or risk your safety. Instead, let an auto repair mechanic handle it.
3. Can I Drive My Car if It’s Making Weird Noises?
No. You shouldn’t drive your car if it’s making an unusual noise, as it can compromise vehicle safety and result in expensive repairs. These noises can stem from various issues within your vehicle, such as leaks or failing internal components, and may indicate a severe car problem.
If these car sounds are accompanied by dashboard warning lights, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and call a mechanic for help immediately.
Enjoy Smooth, Noise-Free Rides with AutoNation Mobile Service
While certain car noises are normal, others, like screeching, grinding, or squealing, shouldn’t be ignored. Any strange sound can signal serious vehicle problems, and you should address them ASAP.
But if driving to a car repair shop feels unsafe, AutoNation mobile service mechanics can come straight to your driveway.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance solution, offering easy online booking and a 12-month | 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us today for all your car repair needs.