Is your vehicle making a strange or scary noise?
These noises are warning signs – clues that trouble is brewing. Your vehicle should be checked out by an automotive repair technician.
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.
Learn More:
Screech
A sound typically caused by brake wear indicators tells you it’s time for maintenance. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons.
Learn More: Brake Repair and Replacement
Squeak
A number of things can cause squeaks, including 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,” all of which should be checked.
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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 needed repairs should never be put off.
Learn More: Brake Repair and Replacement
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 the tires rotated and balanced at least once a year.
Learn More: Tires and Wheels
Clang
Gears will make a “clanging” noise when there is excessive “lash” (movement generally described as “play”). It’s the kind of noise that accompanies one component being allowed to move because of excessive play and the abrupt halt it comes to when encountering the resistance of the part that didn’t move when it was supposed to.
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 figure out what’s making that noise and get it fixed before it leads to more costly repairs.
