Key Takeaways:
- Not all car noises indicate a serious problem, but you must address some of these noises immediately.
- If your car gives off a high-pitched squealing noise when you brake, it’s most likely due to worn brake pads. These pads wear down and get thinner until they can’t do their job anymore
- The power steering system uses hydraulic fluid to help turn the steering wheel easier. A leak in the system may cause the steering to feel stiff and make that squealing noise.
- Consult a professional auto mechanic as soon as you sense a serious problem. Trying to fix it yourself may cause more harm than good.
Your car is quite complex – it comprises thousands of moving parts. So, it’s no surprise that sometimes things can go wrong. If your car starts to emit strange noises, it could be trying to tell you something.
Of course, not all car noises are created equal. Some are harmless and can be easily fixed, while others could indicate a more serious problem. You must pay attention to the type of car noise and when and where you hear it..
Read: 6 Sign It’s Time for a New Car
Here are some common car noises and what they might mean:
1. Grinding Or Squealing When You Brake
When your brakes grind or squeal, it’s an indication that the brake pads require replacement. Brake pads deliver friction to stop your vehicle. Since they experience wear and tear over time, periodic check-ups are necessary to avoid accidents.
When you hear this noise, take your car for service so a professional can examine the situation. This is a straightforward repair, but it’s important to do it before the pads wear down completely. Otherwise, you could damage your brake rotors, which would be much more expensive to fix.
2. Clunking When You Turn or Go Over Bumps
If you hear a clunking sound every time you turn the wheel or go over a bump, something is likely loose in the suspension. This could signify wear and tear on the shocks or struts, designed to absorb impact and keep the ride smooth. It could also indicate that a control arm or other suspension component is loose or damaged.
While it’s not usually an emergency, fixing it before the problem worsens is important. Otherwise, you could be in for a very bumpy ride.
3. Grinding When You Step on The Brakes
If your car rips a grinding sound when you brake, it’s most likely due to a problem with the brake rotors. The rotors are the large discs your brake pads clamp down on to stop the wheels from turning.
If the rotors get too worn, they can develop grooves or other imperfections. When this happens, the brake pads can’t make full contact with the rotors, which causes them to make that grinding noise.
Replacing the brake rotors may be the only solution. This can be a pretty expensive repair, so it’s important to catch it early.
4. Squealing When You Turn the Steering Wheel
If your car makes a squealing noise when you turn the steering wheel, it’s most likely due to a problem with the power steering belt. The power steering belt is a long, flat belt that runs from the engine to the power steering pump.
If the power steering belt gets too loose or worn, it can start to slip and squeal when you turn the steering wheel. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to have the power steering belt tightened or replaced.
5. Clicking Sound When You Turn The Ignition
If your car makes a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition, it could be a sign of a problem with the starter. The starter is a small electric motor that helps get the engine going.
If the starter is going bad, it can make a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to replace the starter.
6. Rattling When You Drive Over Bumps
If your car rattles when you drive over bumps, it could be a sign of a problem with the suspension. Your suspension prevents your car from bouncing around when you drive over bumps.
If the suspension goes bad, it can make a rattling noise when you drive over bumps. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to have the suspension repaired or replaced.
7. Popping Or Crackling When You Turn on The Heat Or AC
Suppose your car’s heater or air conditioner is making a popping or crackling noise. In that case, it could signify a problem with the ductwork.
The ductwork is the system of pipes & vents that deliver hot or cold air from the heater or AC to the car’s interior. Leaks in the ductwork can cause the air to escape and make that popping or crackling noise.
To fix this problem, you’ll need to have the ductwork repaired or replaced by a mechanic.
8. A Whining Noise When You Accelerate
Whining noise when you accelerate could signal a problem with the engine. The engine is what powers your car.
If the engine goes bad, it can make a whining noise when accelerating. This is usually an easy fix – you just need to have the engine repaired or replaced.
Read: 9 Strange Car Noises
Conclusion
If your car makes any of these noises, be sure to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out. Ignoring these car noises may lead to more serious issues down the road.
Do you need your car serviced but don’t want to spend all day at the mechanic? Bring your car down to Auffenberg Kia of Cape Girardeau, serving McClure, IL; our team of experts will take care of it. We know it’s critical to get back on the road, so we’ll work quickly to get your car up and running again. Plus, we value transparency and clear communication, so you’ll always know what’s going on with your vehicle.
You won’t find a better service team for your Kia than ours. We’re passionate about cars and fixing them up, so you can rest assured that your car is in good hands.
