Seven Unwanted Car Noises And What They Really Mean

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Seven unwanted car noises and what they could mean

Where is that whistling coming from? What is that rattling noise? Should my car be humming?

Hearing an unfamiliar noise? Always get your car checked out by a reputable mechanic.

If your car is making an unusual sound but you don't know why, here are some of the things it could be...

Whistling

If you can hear a whistling noise when you’re driving, it may be your car’s weather-stripping. This is the material fixed to your car’s windows and doors to exclude rain, snow, and cold air.

If you’re hearing the same noise coming from underneath your car bonnet, there could be an issue with the engine’s cooling system. The constant circulation of air and cooling fluid could have caused cracks in the hoses and air may be escaping.

Or if the whistling is happening when your engine is off, your car’s radiator pressure cap could be the problem. A pressure cap releases excess heat from overheated coolant. If there’s a break in the rubber gasket, air could be leaking out.

Humming

Is your car making a low-pitched humming noise? Does the noise get louder when you accelerate or turn? If so, it’s possibly a wheel bearing noise.

However, it can sometimes be a problem with your engine. To check, simply accelerate (safely) and watch the RMP and speed gauges rise. Then coast at a set speed, let off the gas pedal and watch the RPM gauge drop. If you can still hear a hum, it won’t be coming from your car’s engine.

Whirring

When you hear a whirring sound coming from your car, it may be an issue with the rotating belts in your car’s engine. These fast-moving belts can stretch or even crack, depending on the age of the car. Identifying this and replacing worn-out belts can save you an expensive trip to the garage in the future.

Ticking

Or if it’s a ticking noise under the bonnet that you hear, the first thing you should do is check your engine oil levels, as they may need a top up. If you have plenty of oil, the ticking could mean a more serious issue. The valvetrain may be damaged, so make the garage your next stop.

Squeaking

Your brakes may make some noise, especially if you’re driving in wet or slippery conditions.

If your brakes always squeak, your brake pads could have worn out. This can lead to reduced braking power, increased stopping distances, skidding, and even brake failure. Take your car to the garage as soon as possible so it's easier to fix.

Grinding

Having trouble shifting into gear? Hearing a grinding sound when you try to move the gear stick? Your clutch may have worn out or your shift linkage may need repairing.

A grinding noise can also mean there’s a problem within your car’s transmission.

If your brakes are making a grinding noise, there may be extreme damage to your brake pads. What's more, your rotor disc could be touching part of the calliper. If you are hearing a grinding noise, it’s important to get to a garage as soon as possible.

Rattling

A rattling noise can be caused by a number of things. If you can locate the rattle to underneath your car, you could have a loose exhaust or broken catalytic converter. If this is the case, you should get your car checked by a mechanic.

If the sound seems to be coming from under your car bonnet, problems can range from low oil levels to a poor fan clutch. If the noise persists you should get your car checked by a professional mechanic.

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