Is your vehicle making a strange or scary noise?
These vehicle noises are warning signs – clues that trouble is brewing. If you hear strange noises while driving, bring your vehicle to Excalibur Auto Repair so our expert mechanics can check it out.
Here are some of the most common noises, and what your vehicle might be trying to tell you:
Squeal
A sharp noise could mean a problem with your brakes or power steering. Your entire brake system should be checked every year, including brake linings, rotors and drums.
A squeal could also be a problem with your vehicle’s fan belt, or air conditioner belt. Belts should be inspected every three months or 3,000/5,000 miles.
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Screech
A sound typically caused by brake wear indicators tells you it’s time for brake maintenance. Brakes are a normal wear item for any vehicle. Car and truck brakes must be properly maintained, for both performance and safety reasons.
Squeak
A number of things can cause squeaks, including brakes, belts, the water pump or alternator bearings. Belts should be replaced when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear. And water pumps, tensioners, idlers and alternators all have bearings that can fail and “squeak”. We investigate all squeaks during our professional vehicle preventive maintenance.
Grinding (metal-on-metal grating noise)
A sound that is related to the brake linings. The brake system is your car’s most important safety system and brake repairs should never be put off.
Ticking
A ticking sound could mean low oil pressure, insufficient engine lubricant, or a timing belt which is starting to wear out.
Heavy knock
A pounding sound is usually a connecting rod or main bearing failure, caused by excessive wear.
Thump
A thumping sound usually means there’s a problem with your tires. To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure every three months or 3,000 miles, and have your tires rotated and balanced at least once a year.
Check Out That Noise
Whenever you hear a new or unusual sound, take action. Bring your vehicle to Excalibur to ensure your safety and your vehicle’s reliability. Our professional technicians will diagnose that noise and fix it before it leads to more costly repairs.
