If Your Car Is Making These Noises, This Is What They Could Mean

Car noises can be frustrating, but they can also be a sign of an underlying problem. If your car is making a low-pitched hum that gets louder as you accelerate and turn, it may be a wheel bearing noise. A droning noise that gets louder as you accelerate may be due to old or poor quality tires or uneven tire wear. A high-pitched squealing noise when you first start the engine may indicate a worn or cracked serpentine belt, while a whining noise while making a turn may be due to strain on the hydraulic power steering pump. Finally, a clicking noise when turning in one direction and not the other could be caused by a worn CV joint.

If your car is making a humming noise while driving that gets louder as you accelerate and turn, it may be a wheel bearing noise. This type of noise is often mistaken for an engine noise, but one way to tell is by watching your RPM gauge. As you accelerate, the RPM and speed gauges rise, but if the noise is still present after coasting at a set speed and letting off the gas pedal, it is not coming from the engine.
A droning noise that doesn’t change pitch or volume while turning, but gets louder as you accelerate, may be due to old or poor quality tires or uneven tire wear. Feathered tires can be a symptom of a worn suspension component, which causes tires to hop up and down as you drive instead of rolling smoothly down the road.
If you hear a high-pitched squeal or what sounds like a bird chirping when you first start the engine, the serpentine belt is likely worn or cracked. Some vehicles have multiple belts, including a separate one for the air conditioning. If the noise is only present when the air conditioning is turned on, then there may be an issue with that belt. The belt tensioner may also be worn or the belt may not have enough tension, causing it to slip.
If your vehicle has hydraulic power steering and you hear a whining noise while making a turn, you may have “locked” the steering wheel by turning it to the point where it doesn’t turn anymore. This strains the power steering pump, and if you hold this position for more than a few seconds, you risk damaging the pump. Back off about an inch from the lock position to ease the increase in pump pressure, and the noise should disappear. If you hear a constant whine, your pump is probably already damaged.
A clicking noise when turning one way and not the other could be caused by a worn CV joint. The noise is cyclical and speeds up as the wheels go faster or slows down as you reduce your speed during the turn.
Abstract: This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on common car noises and their potential causes. It is intended to assist car owners in identifying the possible source of the noise and to determine the appropriate course of action to resolve the issue. The article covers five common car noises, including clicking, rattling or clunking, grinding or squeaking, rumbling, and wobbling, and provides information on their possible causes and solutions.When a car makes unusual noises, it can be concerning and indicate a problem that needs attention. Identifying the source of the noise and determining the cause is crucial in maintaining the car’s safety, reliability, and overall performance. This article provides an overview of the possible causes and solutions for five common car noises.Car Makes Clicking Noise When Turning: If a car produces a clicking noise when turning, it is likely caused by a torn CV axle shaft boot that leaks grease. Without proper lubrication, the components become dry and start making a clicking sound. In this case, a technician could replenish the grease and replace the boot. However, if the CV axle is damaged, it should be replaced.Car Rattles or Makes Low-pitched Clunks: When a car makes low-pitched clunks or rattles, particularly over bumps, it could indicate a problem in the suspension system. The suspension system includes various components such as ball joints, stabilizer links, and coil springs. If a suspension noise suddenly disappears, it is likely that a component is broken and disconnected from the rest of the car.Car Makes Grinding or Squeaking Noises: A light grinding or squeaking noise when braking is usually caused by poor or worn braking materials. If detected early enough, the brakes can be serviced by cleaning, lubricating, and adjusting the materials. Some brake pads have “squealers” that produce a cyclical noise when the pad material gets low. If the noise persists even while driving, the brakes may need replacing.Car Makes a Rumbling Noise: A rumbling noise at idle that gets louder when accelerating could be caused by an exhaust leak in the gasket or one of the exhaust components such as the flexpipe, resonator, or muffler. If the leak can be repaired, then it should be done; otherwise, the leaking component needs to be replaced.Car Sounds Like an Unbalanced Washing Machine: If a car produces a wobbling noise while driving, it could indicate a problem with the wheels or tires. Loose wheel nuts could result in the wheel falling off, while low tire pressure could lead to a tire blowout. If the wheel nuts are loose, they should be tightened using a lug wrench. If the tire pressure is low, it should be filled to the proper specification or replaced with a spare tire.In conclusion, identifying and resolving common car noises can help maintain a car’s safety, reliability, and performance. This article provides car owners with a basic understanding of five common car noises and their potential causes. If a car owner is unsure of the cause of the noise or is unable to resolve the issue, they should seek professional assistance from a qualified technician.