Common Car Noises

As your car gets older, it needs regular maintenance and repairs to stay in top shape. That’s why following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule properly is vital to the durability and longevity of your vehicle. The right maintenance can alleviate expensive repairs, improve your gas mileage, and make owning your vehicle less expensive and less stressful.

Read on to learn more about common car noises and what they mean. If you hear any of these noises, consider scheduling service at Jaguar Akron near Akron and Cleveland. We also have service and parts tips for you to look over.

Why Is My Car Squeaking?

Squeaking can mean many things, depending on where you hear the squawking noise from.

• When you hit the brakes, your brake pads could be worn. You’ll need to get new brake pads as soon as possible.
• Squeaking under the hood indicates something with the serpentine belt, the belt that runs the alternator, water pump, air conditioning, and power steering. If your serpentine belt breaks, it will be difficult to steer and your batter will eventually lose its charge.
• If you hear squeaking when you turn, it could be you’re steering too sharply, and the power steering is starting to strain a bit.
• Squeaking on your windshield may mean your windshield wipers may be starting to wear out.

Why Is My Car Making a Rattling Noise?

In general, a rattling noise means something has come loose. Depending on where the rattling is coming from, look for something that’s come undone from the fasteners.

• If you hear rattling from the very front, a radiator fan blade might be bent and it’s hitting something.
• Rattling noises could be something loose in your cargo area and it’s moving around.
• Rattling or ticking when you’re turning could indicate a lack of lubrication along a CV joint. It’s best to replace the CV joint before it can cause major damage to an axle, which is a much costlier repair.
• Clunking or a deep rattling noise might be from a bad shock absorber near one of your wheels.
• Rattling can also be something from the exhaust, like your tailpipe hitting something.

What Does a Car Noise From Grinding Indicate?

Grinding is, perhaps, one of the scariest noises you’ll hear your car make. It usually means metal is hitting metal in the wrong way, and it can cause heat-related damage. This is likely your brakes, especially if you hear the grinding noise as you slow down. If your wheel makes a grinding noise all of the time, then it’s something more serious in your brakes that you need to take care of ASAP.

What Do Thudding Car Noises Come From?

Thudding usually occurs when you have problems with a tire or wheel. That may indicate low tire pressure or improper tire alignment. Have a tire technician check your vehicle to make sure everything is okay. There might be worn spots or your wheel slightly off that causes your tire to not work properly.

Contact Jaguar Akron to Schedule Service Today!

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful. When you hear one of these noises as you drive along Pittsburgh or Columbus roads, schedule service with us. Have any other questions? Contact us or call 234-206-2525 for more information. We’re happy to help in any way we can!