Different Sounds and What They Could Mean for Your Car
When things are going wrong with your car, it has a few ways of letting you know — and one of those is through strange noises. Don’t ignore sounds from your vehicle, as they could be indicators of a larger (and more expensive) problem. Here are a few common car noises you may encounter and what they mean for your vehicle.
Squealing When Braking
One of the most common car sounds is a high-pitched squeal when applying the brakes. This is usually a sign that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. The sound is often caused by the metal brake pad rubbing against the rotor. While this isn’t cause to panic, it’s important to fix it right away. You don’t want to damage your brakes further and end up in an unsafe situation.
Clunking or Banging Over Bumps
If you hear a clunking or banging noise when driving over rough roads or speed bumps, it could mean there’s a problem with your suspension system, like worn out shocks or struts. Left untreated, this could affect your car’s handling and increase wear on your tires.
Rattling Noise When Accelerating
If you notice a rattling noise when you accelerate, it could be a sign of an issue with your exhaust system. This might be caused by loose or damaged exhaust components, such as the heat shield or muffler. While this might not pose an immediate threat to your engine, it’s still important to address it before it leads to more extensive repairs.
Grinding When Shifting Gears
A grinding noise when shifting gears can indicate a problem with your transmission. Manual transmissions might grind due to worn out clutch components, while automatic transmissions can make whining noises when the transmission fluid is low or dirty. Transmission issues can escalate quickly, so it’s important to have your car checked as soon as possible.
Is your car making odd noises? Come to Arrow Automotive.
At Arrow Automotive Transmission Specialists, we’ll investigate the cause of your vehicle’s sounds, diagnose the issue, and get your car repaired as quickly as possible.
