Your car is a freedom outlet, a commuting partner, and an investment all wrapped into one. Chances are you’ve grown so attached to it that you’ve named it and perhaps even considered it a close friend. Well, much like your flesh-and-blood friends, you cringe when you hear your car wincing in pain or distress. While rubbing the dash and saying “easy, girl” sometimes works, certain sounds are signs of bigger problems. Keep an ear out for these car noises that scream trouble.
Grinding While Braking
If you hit the brakes and it sounds like you’re dragging a shovel along a piece of sheet metal, it’s a sign that you’re in dire need of some brake work. Most often, this means you need new brake shoes or brake pads, but other times, it can become so drastic that you might actually ruin the brake rotor or caliper. If you notice this sound, it’s best to visit a professional mechanic before you cause even more expensive repairs.
Rattling Wheels
When your wheels make rattling noises, and you notice your car driving bumpily down the road, chances are there’s something awry with how your wheels are attached to the vehicle. Many times this occurs when the lug nuts aren’t tightened, which allows the wheel to move at different angles. While this may be the result of an auto shop forgetting to tighten the nuts, there are also reports of miscreants doing it just for a kick. Either way, if your car sounds like coins or metal in a dryer, pull over and check your lug nuts immediately.
Popping or Clicking When Turning
When you’re making a turn and you notice a popping or clicking noise that stops once you straighten the wheel, this a telltale sign that your constant velocity (CV) joints are going bad. These joints are integral to the operation of your vehicle, as they connect the transmission to the front wheels. When these joints fail, it can drastically lower your vehicle’s handling ability.
Squealing or Chirping When Starting or Accelerating
When your vehicle squeal or chirps every time you fire up the engine or hit the accelerator, your serpentine belt is in danger of going out. This belt is responsible for transferring power from the engine to many of the car’s most vital accessories including the air conditioning, alternator, and power steering mechanism. Your car will still run even if the serpentine belt breaks, but you’ll be without many of the comfort features of your vehicle. Replacement is relatively easy and one of the cheaper repairs you’ll come across.
Rumbling Under the Car
If you’ve turned the key to your 1973 Gremlin and it suddenly sounds like a Corvette, you have a problem with your exhaust system. Most often, this is the result of a hole in the exhaust system, but it could also mean you need a new catalytic converter.
Unless your car’s screaming is coming from the music you’re blaring on the radio, serious sounds are excellent warnings of impending problems. Don’t take them for granted, or you just might be the one making the troublesome sounds.
Image via Pixabay
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