Car Noises That Signal You Need Service (and What They Mean)
1. Squealing or Screeching When Braking
Likely cause:
- Worn brake pads (most common)
- Glazed rotors
- Sticking brake caliper
Service needed:
- Brake inspection
- Replace brake pads
- Machine or replace rotors
- Service/caliper lubrication
2. Grinding While Braking
Likely cause:
- Brake pads fully worn down
- Metal-on-metal contact
Service needed:
- Immediate brake pad + rotor replacement
- Possible caliper replacement if damaged
3. Humming or Growling From the Wheels (Changes With Speed)
Likely cause:
- Worn wheel bearing
- Cupped tires
- Failing CV joint
Service needed:
- Wheel bearing replacement
- Tire rotation or replacement
- Suspension/CV joint inspection
4. Clicking When Turning
Likely cause:
Service needed:
- Replace CV axle
- Inspect boots and suspension
5. Knocking or Clunking Over Bumps
Likely cause:
- Worn control arm bushings
- Bad sway bar links
- Loose struts or shocks
- Ball joint wear
Service needed:
- Suspension inspection
- Replace bushings, links, ball joints, or struts
6. Rattling Under the Car
Likely cause:
- Heat shield loose
- Exhaust components rusted or hanging
- Loose catalytic converter shield
- Loose underbody panel
Service needed:
- Tighten or re-secure heat shields
- Exhaust repair or welding
- Replace damaged brackets
7. Whining Noise in the Engine Bay
Likely cause:
- Worn belt (serpentine or accessory belt)
- Failing alternator
- Power-steering pump issues
Service needed:
- Belt replacement
- Drive pulley inspection
- Diagnose alternator or P/S pump
8. Loud Roaring or “Sports Car” Sound Suddenly
Likely cause:
- Exhaust leak
- Hole in muffler
- Broken exhaust flange or flex pipe
Service needed:
- Exhaust repair or replacement
9. Ticking From the Engine
Likely cause:
- Low engine oil
- Valve train noise
- Faulty lifter
- Exhaust manifold leak
Service needed:
- Check engine oil immediately
- Top-up or oil change
- Engine diagnostic if noise persists
10. Hissing Under the Hood
Likely cause:
- Vacuum line leak
- Cooling system leak
- Overheating or pressure buildup
Service needed:
- Cooling system/hoses inspection
- Thermostat/radiator check
- Vacuum hose replacement
11. Thumping or Rhythmic Slapping
Likely cause:
- Flat spot on tire
- Broken belt inside the tire
- Loose tire/wheel lug nuts (dangerous!)
Service needed:
- Tire replacement
- Wheel torque check
- Alignment if uneven wear present
12. High-Pitched Squeal on Cold Start
Likely cause:
- Loose or worn serpentine belt
- Failing belt tensioner
Service needed:
- Replace belt
- Inspect/replace tensioner
13. Grinding When Starting the Engine
Likely cause:
- Bad starter motor
- Starter gear not engaging properly
Service needed:
14. Deep Knocking From Engine (Worst Case)
Likely cause:
- Engine bearing failure
- Low or no oil
- Serious internal engine damage
Service needed:
- Stop driving immediately
- Full engine diagnostic
- Possible engine rebuild or replacement
If you hear noises that seem out of place in your vehicle, please don't ignore them. Not paying attention may end up costing you more if you let parts fail. Contact us to book a service appointment today and make sure that click, bang, hiss, wrrrrr, isn't something more serious!
Dale and the Dale Adams Team.