A lot of people do not know as much as professional auto technicians do, regarding their vehicles. However, most everyone can seem to notice a particular sound that is out of the ordinary while driving. Most people spend so much time driving, that they are well accustomed to the sounds and performance. Our automobiles are like tuned musical instruments, so when one starts to behave differently or sound unusual, it generally means that an inspection or repair is due. Listed below are 5 car sounds that should definitely not be ignored when noticed.
1.) A low, grinding or scraping sound whenever your brake pedal is used usually means this part of your automobile needs some serious attention. Depending on the weather, a car's brake pads may squeak a little bit from being wet or cold. However, on a regular basis, these parts should not make any sound at all. If you notice a grinding noise emitting from your vehicle when you brake, then it is probably time for the pads to be replaced.
2.) Clicking noises coming from the engine generally means that you are running low on oil. Stop driving and allow your engine to cool a while before checking the oil level. Refill it to the proper level. If this particular sound persists after you have addressed it, then definitely stop driving. Further use could damage the engine quite a bit.
3.) If the exhaust system has a leak in it, it will emit a roaring sound that will become increasingly louder as you accelerate. This noise itself does not pose any immediate danger, but it most likely means that the exhaust system needs repair. Probably a new exhaust pipe or muffler is needed. Not attending to this can allow for carbon monoxide to leak into the passenger area and this can be deadly.
4.) Hissing sounds emitting from the engine area can be a sign of overheating or perhaps coolant leakage. Be sure to check the temperature gauge or if the temperature warning light is on, to detect overheating. If a sweet odor can be smelled, then antifreeze is leaking from the cooling system. Do not refill this until the vehicle has had proper time to cool. Also, simply refilling any fluid will not stop a leak. Be sure to replace the leaking part of your car.
5.) Is there a chirping sound coming from a wheel of your automobile when your drive? This may mean that an axel or wheel bearing is beginning to fail. This sound may fluctuate as you increase or decrease acceleration. Do not ignore this noise, as it may mean the wheel is on the verge of detaching or locking up, once a bearing fails. Your next stop should be at an auto shop if this is heard.
Overall, most of us may not be professionally trained to work and repair cars and most probably do not have the proper equipment to fix specific problems. When you are driving, if you happen to hear any sounds out of the ordinary coming from any parts of your vehicle, it is probably a good idea to have your automobile inspected by a car repair professional right away.
