If your engine is happy and healthy, it should produce a quiet, purring sound. A quiet vehicle is often something we take for granted, so when your car starts making noises, it’s definitely a cause for concern. With so many moving parts in today’s modern engines, those strange noises could be caused by a number of different issues. This helpful guide can assist you in determining what various common vehicle noises mean.
A Squeaking Sound Coming from the Hood
Whether it’s a squeak or a squeal, this annoying sound may be coming from underneath your hood. The issue is usually caused by slipping or damaged accessory belt. Belts can wear down over time, and then they start to come loose and lose their traction. The serpentine belt is a common culprit. Examine your belts and look for cracking or a shiny appearance. This is usually a sign that it’s time for the belt to be replaced.
Hissing Sounds
If your vehicle is producing a hissing sound, it’s certainly a cause for alarm. This sound is most common when your car is idling and could be caused by a vacuum leak or a damaged vacuum line. Most likely, your check engine light will come on to alert you of the problem. Another red flag is if you notice that your car is starting to idle much faster than normal. Hissing sounds are something you should not ignore, so see a mechanic as soon as you can. It might be a simple fix to reattach the lines or you might need to have them replaced.
Your Wheels are Screeching
Have you started to notice a screech or squeal when you drive? This could be caused by an issue with your brake pads. The pads will wear down over time, and some modern cars use sensors that will alert you when the pads are reaching the end of their lifespan. If you hear a loud screeching noise, have your brake system inspected. It may also be damaged rotors which are much more expensive to replace. Either way, your brakes are not something you should ignore because they can cause a serious threat to your safety if they’re not in good condition. Grinding brakes are another sound to be aware of. This will sound like metal on metal, and it usually means the pads and rotors are both in serious trouble.
For all your car’s maintenance and repair needs, remember to call the experts at Doc Motor Works in Sherwood, Illinois at 815-201-5122 today.