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.
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
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