That squeak-squeak you hear while driving isn’t your car throwing a tantrum — it’s a warning sign that something needs attention.
While some squeaks are harmless, others can point to more serious issues.
The good news?
When and where these noises occur, such as during braking, turning, or going over bumps, can reveal a lot about what’s wrong.
Keep reading as we break down the most common reasons your car makes a squeaking noise when driving and how to fix it before a small squeak turns into a costly car repair.
This Article Contains:
- Why Does Your Car Squeak When Driving? (5 Common Scenarios)
- Is it Safe to Drive a Squeaky Car?
- What Should You Do If Your Car Is Squeaking?
- How Much Does it Cost to Fix Car Squeaking Noises?
- 5 Useful Tips to Prevent Car Squeaks While Driving
Why Does Your Car Squeak When Driving? (5 Common Scenarios)
Here are five situations where a squeaky noise may occur and the common cause behind each:
1. Squeaking at Low Speed
Squeaks at low speeds usually result from the following problems:
- Faulty brake components: Worn brake pads can create a sharp, high-pitched squeak, sometimes even without pressing the brake pedal. This happens when the brake wear indicator (a small metal tab built into the pad) comes in contact with the brake rotor as the wheels turn. In other cases, a partially stuck brake caliper may cause the pads to drag, producing friction and a strange noise.
- Suspension issues: If squeaking is accompanied by a rattling sound while driving, it’s often a sign of worn shock absorbers or deteriorated suspension bushings. Over time, shocks lose their ability to absorb bumps, causing parts to bounce and knock around, while bushings can dry out or crack, letting metal components rub together.
2. Squeaking When Turning
If you hear a squeak while turning the steering wheel, the problem can come from:
- Power steering issues: Low fluid levels can cause squeaking when you turn the wheel. Without enough lubrication, parts within the steering system can rub together, producing friction and noise.
- Worn suspension components: Turning the steering wheel places extra stress on parts like ball joints, control arm bushings, struts, and steering rack bushings. If these components are dry or worn, they can squeak under load.
- Damaged wheel bearings: A deteriorated wheel bearing can create friction and produce a constant squeaking or grinding noise that becomes noticeable during turns.
3. Squeaking When Braking
If your car only squeaks when you apply the brakes, the issue almost certainly lies in the braking system. Here’s what could be causing it:
- Worn brake pads: When your brake pad wears down, the built-in wear indicator scrapes against the brake rotor to alert you it’s time for a replacement. This creates a distinct squeaking sound.
- Rust or brake dust: Surface rust or debris buildup on the rotors can cause squeaking. While surface rust is usually harmless and wears off when driving, you should clean the brake dust.
- Poorly fitted brake components: If the brake pad, rotor, or caliper is installed incorrectly, it can shift or vibrate when you press the brake pedal, resulting in a strange noise that requires professional inspection.
4. Squeaking During Acceleration or Deceleration
Squeaks while accelerating or decelerating are often caused by the following issues:
- Suspension and steering problems: Dry or worn components like control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and even the steering column can squeak under shifting loads. A leaking power steering pump can also cause squeaks during hard acceleration or sharp turns.
- Loose cambelt (Timing Belt): If the timing belt becomes worn or loses tension, it can squeak under engine load while accelerating. This is a serious issue, as a snapped cam belt can lead to major engine damage.
- Misaligned pulleys: Alternator or water pump pulleys that are loose, misaligned, or have worn bearings can produce a rhythmic squeaking sound that increases with engine speed.
5. Squeaking When Going Over Bumps
If your car squeaks while driving over bumps or uneven roads, it’s likely due to suspension problems like:
- Worn ball joints: These joints allow for vertical movement in your wheels. When they dry out or wear down, they can squeak as the suspension flexes.
- Damaged bushings and shocks: Cracked or dry suspension bushings and worn shocks or struts can cause squeaking as the suspension compresses over bumps or potholes.
- Faulty sway bar links: This suspension component helps stabilize the vehicle by reducing body roll during turns and over bumps. Once the sway bar links become loose or worn out, they’ll produce squeaking sounds whenever the suspension shifts.
NOTE: Serpentine belt issues can cause a small squeak or high-pitched squeal when you start the engine. Since the belt powers the alternator, A/C, power steering, and cooling fan, any wear or misalignment may put it under stress at ignition, leading to a squealing noise at startup.
Now that you know what’s causing the squeak, let’s explore whether it’s safe to continue driving.
Is it Safe to Drive a Squeaky Car?
No, it’s not recommended to drive a car that’s making a squeaky noise, especially if you don’t know what’s causing it.
Continuing to drive with a squeak can strain components that may already be worn or failing. This can lead to reduced control, poor handling, and unpredictable vehicle behavior, particularly while braking or turning.
In severe cases, it could result in a complete brake, power steering, or suspension failure, leaving you stranded or even causing an accident.
That’s why it’s essential to identify the root cause ASAP.
What Should You Do If Your Car Is Squeaking?
With many possible causes, a squeaking noise when driving can be tricky to trace and even harder to fix without the proper tools or expertise.
If you’re unsure where the noise is coming from, book a professional inspection. A mobile auto repair mechanic can assess your car on-site and pinpoint the issue.
Here’s what they’ll typically do:
- Identify when the squeak occurs — at low speed or during braking, turning, accelerating, and going over bumps.
- Based on the source, inspect the braking system for worn pads, rusty rotors, or a stuck brake caliper.
- Check suspension components like bushings, ball joints, sway bar links, and struts for wear or damage.
- Examine the serpentine and timing belts for cracks, fraying, or tension issues.
- Inspect the alternator and water pump pulleys for looseness or worn bearings.
- Check the power steering pump, fluid, and system for leaks.
- Lubricate joints if dryness or friction is causing the squeak.
- Test drive your car to ensure there are no odd squeaks under any driving conditions.
Now, let’s go over how much these fixes might cost you.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Car Squeaking Noises?
The car repair costs to fix squeaky noises can range widely from $20 to $5,000. Before starting any work, your mechanic will inspect the vehicle to identify the source of the squeak. This diagnostic check will typically cost between $20 and $500.
Based on what the mechanic finds, here’s a general breakdown of estimated costs for common repairs and replacements (labor included):
- Power steering fluid flush: $60 to $200
- Serpentine belt replacement: $90 to $250
- Wheel bearing replacement: $100 to $760
- Power steering leak repair: $150 to $670
- Timing belt replacement: $400 to $1,100
- Brake replacement: $950 to $1,300
- Suspension replacement: $1,000 to $5,000
TIP: To help manage these costs, consider mechanical breakdown insurance. It typically covers replacement parts, labor, and even car hire during repairs. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranties (up to seven years) when you buy a new car.
Want to avoid these costs altogether?
Keep reading!
5 Useful Tips to Prevent Car Squeaks While Driving
Follow these best practices to help your car run quietly:
- Check and maintain engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid levels to avoid unnecessary friction between moving parts.
- If debris enters any fluid reservoir, drain and clean it thoroughly before refilling to prevent damage and squeaking.
- Keep moving parts such as suspension bushings, joints, and hinges properly lubricated to prevent squeaks caused by dryness or friction.
- Depending on your vehicle make and driving habits, replace the:
- Brake pads every 20,000 to 75,000 miles
- Serpentine belt every 50,000 to 100,000 miles
- Timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles
- Service your car regularly to catch issues early and reduce the risk of squeaking. Refer to your car maintenance manual for correct fluid specifications, service intervals, and part replacement timelines.
Say Goodbye to Car Squeaks with AutoNation Mobile Service
Hearing a squeak could be the first sign of a breakdown waiting to happen. Left unresolved, it may lead to loss of control or a full system malfunction, turning a simple fix into a serious safety risk.
That’s where AutoNation Mobile Service can help.
Our experienced auto repair mobile mechanics come to you, diagnose the issue on-site, and handle repairs from your driveway. We also offer upfront pricing and back our repairs with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Book a service today to fix that small car squeak before it leaves your wallet screaming.