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Every car makes it share of noises, but not all sounds are treated the same way. What do you do if you're driving down the road, and you suddenly hear a series of pops, thuds, or hissing? Some of these sounds must be dealt with promptly, or they can lead to an expensive repair bill. Here are six engine noises that you never want to ignore and what you should do about them. 1. Squealing, Scraping, and Grinding If you hear this cacophony of sounds, particularly when stopping, it could mean there is a problem with your brakes. While your brake pads are designed to squeak as they wear out, this is one car part that you don't want to ignore, for safety sake. more Grinding and growling noises from your brakes could be a sign that the pads are far past their replacement date, and the metal components of your braking system are grinding together. Get your car into a qualified mechanic and have them address the problem immediately. 2. Thumping Noises You're cruising along when you hear a thumping sound. It can happen when you're turning or when you're driving straight. Sometimes you might notice this noise when accelerating. Thumping noises often stem from a damaged tire or a faulty constant-velocity (CV) joint. Your brakes may also be the culprit, so don't wait to have these important systems examined by your technician. 3. Hissing or Sizzling Next time you're sitting patiently at a traffic light and a big cloud of steam hisses out of your engine, you have a leak. This sound is proof that one of your engine fluids — oil, coolant, or power steering fluid — is dripping on your engine's hot parts. This is a critical warning sign and one that, if ignored, could lead to permanent engine damage or even a fire. The best course of action is to pull over and call for a tow. 4. Squealing Under the Hood Does your car start squealing when you start it up or press on the gas? This sound is a cry for help and is a sign you have a worn or loose accessory belt. These parts are pretty important because they run components like your power steering pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. Some newer vehicles use a serpentine belt that runs multiple accessories, so when this part fails, you'll notice problems in several systems. 5. Consistent Rattles If you hear rattling from your car's engine compartment, you've got a problem that you need to address as soon as possible. This sound often indicates loose or failing engine parts like your drive belt tensioner or, if the sound is coming from under the car, issues within your suspension system. These are five common engine noises that you never want to ignore. All of these sounds demand your attention. You should trust only a certified mechanic to keep your vehicle on the road, like the one you'll find at your local Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership. Image via Flickr by sylvar

When you're looking for the perfect vehicle, the decision between a new or used car is a daunting task and typically a money issue. You may not want to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a vehicle when there are great used models that provide a much more affordable option. You may be experiencing worry, though, that you may have less life in a used vehicle and you may run the risk of spending the money saved on repairs. However, there is a best-of-both-worlds solution: a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle. Here are four reasons to consider spending a little extra on a CPO model. Inspected by the Manufacturer What makes a CPO vehicle? The certification comes from a thorough multi-point inspection administered by the manufacturer, ensuring a vehicle that's in tip-top shape and won't spark problems the second you leave the lot. While inspections are mandatory and the vehicle must pass every point of the inspection to be certified, it's still a great idea to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic you trust.  Cars aren't cheap, and you want to be sure you're spending your money wisely. more A Lightly Used and Well-Maintained Vehicle Part of the inspection stipulations mandates low age, low mileage, and frequent maintenance. Most CPO vehicles are formerly leased vehicles, which means previous drivers most likely had to adhere to strict mileage usage and kept their cars in the best condition possible so they would not be charged extra. At most, expect around 70,000 miles on the vehicle, though most CPOs are only about 3 years old with fewer than 40,000 miles. Extended Warranty Most CPO models come with an extended warranty to give you even more peace of mind. The warranty you're guaranteed means the manufacturer covers the costs of any repairs you may need, and the manufacturer wants to ensure that you'll have no need to bring the vehicle back for repairs. Not every extended warranty is the same, though, so be sure to do your research into what your CPO vehicle's warranty will cover. Some extend the original warranty by more miles or time, while others have warranties that start after you purchase the vehicle. To make sure you're getting the most for your money, you'll want to have a warranty that's worth it. Financing Deals While CPO models may have higher costs than non-certified models, manufacturers, banks, and lenders often offer low-interest financing deals for these vehicles. This means CPO models are treated more like new cars than used ones. Uncertified vehicles often have higher interest rates that may significantly raise the total amount you're spending on the vehicle. And, as with any vehicle purchase, you still have the power of negotiation. Don't be afraid to haggle just because the vehicle you have your eye on is a Certified Pre-Owned model. Do yourself a favor and take some of the stress out of shopping for a used car. Considering a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle means considering a lightly used and well-maintained vehicle with a few extra perks that a non-certified vehicle can't offer. Along with your due diligence, the certification gives you the peace of mind you need to finally make the car of your dreams a reality. Image via Flickr by thematthewknot