My car’s making a racket!

Five types of noises and what might be causing them

There was once a time where it was perfectly normal to occasionally lift the hood of your car and check to see whether you should make any adjustments or take your vehicle in for repairs. Automotive technology has rapidly evolved, to the point where with some cars, you can’t even open the hood!

And, while mechanical problems are rare today, careful drivers are always on the lookout: a “new” noise is usually an indication of an incipient breakdown or mechanical problem. So, whether you’re driving a gas-powered or electric vehicle, here are a few different noises that may be cause for concern:

1. A piercing noise when you brake or, a scratching noise that goes away when you brake, but reappears as soon as you release the brake pedal - these usually indicate that your brake pads are worn. Ignoring such noises for too long could end up damaging your entire brake system.
2. A noise that reminds you of a washing machine during the spin cycle. When accompanied by increasingly vehement vibrations, this is indicative of a problem that needs to be addressed ASAP. Pull over in a safe place and check that there’s enough air in your tires and that all of your lug nuts are well-tightened. This issue often occurs following a tire change.
3. If you feel as though you're listen to a solo drum performance when you drive on a damaged road surface, you likely have a suspension problem... this could lead to a loss of control. Get this checked out as soon possible!
4. A rumbling noise when you speed up or take a curve is often a sign that you have a defective wheel bearing. This also calls for a quick trip to the garage.
5. A clinking sound when you turn your wheels and which speeds up as you accelerate: this is probably a ball joint howling in pain! Don’t wait: once you can actually hear this noise, the ball joint is already damaged and you could eventually find yourself in a pickle, seeing as it’s main role consists of sending power to the wheels.

To understand what your vehicle’s various noises are telling you - or just to amuse yourself a bit – check out this site, where you can hear a number of noises caused by oft-encountered problems.

Other blog articles that may interest you