9 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore

Key Takeaways:

• Strange car noises could indicate something is wrong, and you should take it in for repairs.
• A clicking noise while turning is likely due to CV joint failure and is a serious problem.
• A squealing sound when starting your vehicle may be due to a loose or damaged serpentine belt.
• A hissing noise from the AC in your vehicle is likely due to a leak.
• A scraping noise from the windshield wipers is due to the blades being worn out.
• If your car is making a wobbling noise, it could be due to loose wheel nuts.
• A screeching sound when braking is due to worn-out brake pads.
• If you hear a rumbling noise from the exhaust, it might be due to a leak.

Your car can make many strange and unusual noises. But not all of them are cause for alarm. We’ll discuss common car noises that you should never ignore. These car noises could mean something is wrong with your vehicle, and you need to take it in for repairs! We’ll go over each noise in detail so that you will know exactly what to listen for the next time your car makes a strange sound.

1) Clicking While Turning

If you hear a clicking noise while turning, it’s likely due to CV joint failure. A CV joint failure occurs when it loses the grease that lubricates the front axles, causing the CV joint to overheat and eventually break. CV joint failure is a serious problem. It’s not something you can fix on the side of the road. If you hear this noise, have your car checked by a mechanic.

2) Squealing Sound When Starting Your Vehicle

Squealing noise when starting your vehicle is due to a loose or damaged serpentine belt. The serpentine belt operates the engine’s accessories, such as the water pump, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump. If the serpentine belt becomes loose or frayed, it can cause these components not to work properly. If you hear this noise, have your serpentine belt inspected and replaced if necessary. Serpentine belt failure is a serious car problem that can lead to engine overheating.

3) Hissing Noise When You Turn on the Heat or AC

If you hear a hissing noise when you turn on the air conditioning in your vehicle, it’s likely due to a leak in the cooling system. The cooling system cools your vehicle’s cabin. Coolant can escape if there is a leak and cause the system not to work properly. Have your cooling system examined to determine if there is a leak and repair it immediately. Ignoring this problem can lead to the entire system being replaced, which is an expensive repair.

4) Scraping Noises from Windshield Wipers

If your windshield wipers are making a scraping noise, it’s likely due to the blades being worn out. Windshield wipers are made of rubber; over time, they will dry out and crack. This can cause them to make a loud scraping noise when they are used. It’s important to replace your windshield wipers regularly to avoid this problem. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every six months.

5) Wobbling Noise – Like an Unstable Washing Machine

If your car is making a wobbling noise, it could be due to loose wheel nuts. This is a serious problem that you should fix immediately. Loose wheel nuts can cause the wheel to fall off while driving. Pull over and check the lug nuts on your wheels if you hear this noise. If they are loose, tighten them with a lug wrench. Get your car towed if you don’t have a lug wrench.

Loose wheel nuts are not the only cause of wobbling noises. Another possible cause is worn-out shocks or struts. Shocks and struts help absorb bumps in the road and keep the tires in contact with the ground. If worn out, they can’t do their job properly, and you will feel every bump in the road.

6) Screeching Sound from Your Brakes

If you hear a screeching sound when you press on your brakes, your brake pads are likely falling to pieces and need to be replaced. This can happen gradually over time, so it’s important to have your brakes checked regularly. If the problem is ignored, it could eventually lead to metal grinding on metal, which will cause even more damage and will be much more expensive to fix. Never take brake problems lightly!

7) Rumbling from the Exhaust

If you’re driving and hear a rumbling noise from the exhaust, it’s time to take your car in for a checkup. This noise is often caused by a minor peel or leak in the exhaust. While this might not seem a big deal initially, the crack or leak will only grow larger over time. The noise will become louder as the crack or leak becomes bigger. If you ignore this noise, you risk damaging your car’s engine. A small crack in the exhaust can cause fumes to enter the engine, leading to all sorts of problems. So, please don’t ignore it! Get to a mechanic immediately.

8) Humming Noise When You Accelerate

If you notice a humming noise that gets louder as you accelerate, it could be a wheel bearing that is not working properly. The wheel bearing is what allows your wheels to rotate smoothly. When it starts to fail, you’ll hear a humming noise coming from the affected wheel. The noise will usually get louder as you drive faster because the wheel has to rotate more quickly. Ignoring a wheel bearing problem can cause serious damage to your car. The wheel can start to wobble, which could lead to the wheel coming off entirely while you’re driving. This is very dangerous, so get the problem fixed immediately.

9) Rattles and Clunks

Rattles and clunks can be suspension system-related. Suspension systems provide a comfortable ride by absorbing the impact of road irregularities. The main suspension components are coil springs, shock absorbers, and ball joints. Over time, these suspension components will wear out. When this happens, you’ll start to hear rattles and clunks.

Conclusion

Several car noises can indicate a car problem. Ask an auto mechanic to diagnose the problem if you hear any of these car noises. Ignoring these car problems can lead to more expensive repairs. By being proactive and taking care of these issues early, you can avoid major hurdles and keep your car running smoothly.

Check out our blog about symptoms that indicate your car has a faulty radiator.

If you seek a reputable Hyundai service center, Eastern Shore Hyundai, serving Loxley, AL, is an excellent choice. Our factory-trained and certified technicians are experts at servicing all models of Hyundai vehicles, and our state-of-the-art facility has the latest tools and technology. We offer several services, from oil changes and tune-ups to more extensive repairs, so you can feel confident that your Hyundai is in good hands. Schedule a Service Appointment Today!