A squeal when you hit the brakes. A loud humming when you accelerate. A weird hiss from under the engine. Are these common car noises or signs that you need vehicle repairs?
Every day, our mechanics at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD help car owners who come in with strange car noises. It could be a thunk, a bump, or a persistent whine. The good news is that car noises are easy to diagnose and often have simple fixes.
If you notice a strange noise coming from your vehicle all of a sudden, don’t worry. Find out what the 9 most common car noises mean and what repairs to book an appointment for. Catching a strange car noise early means safer driving, saving money on repairs, and a lower chance of breaking down.
9 Common Car Noises and What They Mean
Squealing or Screeching When You Brake
Do you hear a high-pitched squeal or screech when you press the brake pedal? Squealing brakes often mean your brake pads are worn down. Brake pads are designed to make a high-pitched noise when worn low to alert drivers that it’s time for brake pad replacements.
If the noise gets louder when you stop quickly or go downhill, and you notice the noise is only when you brake, it’s time to call for brake repairs. Catching brake pad replacements early helps avoid damage to your rotors, which can be a heftier repair cost, and keeps you safer on the road.
Screech or Squeal from Under the Hood
If you notice a squeal or screeching sound that isn’t coming from your brakes, check under the hood. This is often a sign that your serpentine belt needs to be replaced.
The serpentine belt is responsible for operating engine parts like the alternator, radiator, fans, air conditioning parts, and more. If the serpentine belt fails, you will have a car that can’t run. Schedule a belt replacement at a shop near you to stop the noise and fix the engine.
Grinding Noise When Driving or Braking
A rough grinding or growling noise, especially when braking, is an indicator that your brake pads are completely worn out. What you hear is the metal rubbing together, which is dangerous for your car and your safety on the road.
If you notice your car is taking longer to stop and the grinding is worse when braking, stop the car and check the brake pads right away. You may need to get a tow to an auto shop near you. Worn brake pads down to the metal means you are unable to stop in an emergency and shouldn’t be driving.
Knocking or Pinging From the Engine
A knocking, tapping, or pinging sound coming from under the hood is often a sign of low or dirty oil. Without oil, engine parts start to rub together, making unusual noises under the hood of your car.
If your oil level is low, dark in color, or you can’t remember your last oil change, it’s time to schedule one. This should stop the strange noises coming from under your hood.
Clicking Sound When Turning
A clicking or popping noise when you turn the steering wheel, especially during sharp turns, is a sign something is wrong with your drivetrain. The drivetrain is made up of the joints and axles that are responsible for steering your vehicle.
Does the noise only happen when turning? Is it louder when turning one direction? Call for auto repairs ASAP. A broken joint in a drivetrain can immediately cause big problems on the road, like accidents and an inability to control the vehicle.
Whine While Steering
When turning the wheel, do you notice a whine coming from the car? A high-pitched “singing” noise like this indicates low power steering fluid. You may also notice the car may be hard to turn or steer, like the steering wheel is heavier.
Low power steering fluid can make the car harder to control and slow your response time. Check the power steering fluid and top it off if it’s low. Check for any leaks that may be causing you to lose power steering fluid. If you notice a leak, get a repair to stop the problem and protect your car.
Rattling or Clunking Under the Car
A rattling, clunking, or banging noise when driving over bumps in the road is normally a sign you have a loose exhaust or worn suspension. At the very least, there is likely something hanging under the car that is out of place.
Check under your car for anything hanging. Listen closely when driving to determine how often you hear the noise. Sometimes a simple tightening or small repair can fix the problem. If you can’t see anything obvious, call for auto repairs to have someone inspect what is going on – it could save you major repairs and breakdowns in an emergency.
Squealing or Thumping Windshield Wipes
When the wipers are on, do you notice a squealing noise? Do your windshield wipers thump or drag across the windshield instead of gliding easily? These are all signs that you need new windshield wipers.
Over time, wipers get worn down, especially in extreme climates found in Silver Spring, MD. This wears the parts and stops them from moving easily. Your local auto shop can help get you the right wipers for wiper blade replacements and even recommend a high-quality wiper fluid that’ll clean your windshield for better visibility and better wiper performance.
Growling or Humming at High Speeds or Turning
Does your car make a growling or humming noise when you’re turning? What about at high speeds on the highway? These are both signs that you need wheel bearing replacements.
This can be a costly repair if left unchecked, so schedule an appointment ASAP. Wheel bearings are responsible for your wheels moving correctly and easily. Don’t hesitate to get a loud humming sound checked out by the pros near you.
Get Auto Repairs for Strange Car Noises in Silver Spring, MD
At Hoffmaster’s Auto Care, we help car owners every day figure out why their car is making that noise. Listening to your car and catching problems early can save you money and help keep you safe on the road.
If your car is making a noise you don’t understand, give us a call or stop by. We’re always happy to help find the problem and offer an easy repair.
Hoffmaster's Auto Care
Our mission at Hoffmaster’s Auto Care is to provide our customers with the highest level of car repair service and expertise, delivered with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Hoffmaster’s Auto Care in Silver Spring, MD has been in business for more than 40 years. All our technicians are ASE certified. You can rely on our experience and knowledge for high-quality auto repair and maintenance services.
