For most people, your car is an essential part of your daily life. It takes you from one place to another, allowing you to get to work, shop, and even meet friends. Of course, you probably don’t think about your car that much, until it starts to sound strange.
That’s when you need to get a local professional to take a look at the car for you, it’s easy to find one, simply check out here.
Of course, it can help to know what the most common noises are:
Squealing Engine
This is perhaps the most commonly heard sound and it can usually be traced to a belt. The belts under your bonnet generally drive the water pump, power steering, and alternator. Over time these belts dry and the grip wears. They become cracked or loose and will squeal.
A belt that squeals when you first start the car and its damp can probably be tightened. If it squeals all the time you’re going to need to replace it.
You can spray the belt with a special compound to stop the squeal but it won’t fix the issue. It can help you to identify which belt is squealing.
Click Noise When You Turn
If you notice a clicking noise as you take a turn then you probably have a damaged or torn CV joint. The CV joint is situated at each end of the axle. It uses ball bearings and can twist, allowing your wheels to turn and you to change direction without affecting the power delivery from the engine.
These joints are protected by a rubber cover, known as a CV boot.
Your CV boot will become damaged over time and crack or even develop holes. This allows the grease that protects the joint to leak out. You end up with a dry joint that clicks when you turn.
You can pack the joint with grease and replace the CV boot to help it last longer but the best option is to either replace the axle or the outer CV joint.
Rattling Noises
A rattling noise can come from almost anywhere on your vehicle. It can be hard to trace but usually indicates you have a loose part. One part you should always check is the exhaust heat shield, this fits between the exhaust system and the underneath of the car. It protects the underneath of the vehicle from getting too hot.
A loud rattling noise suggests the heat shield has corroded because it lives in extreme conditions. You’ll want to replace it as soon as possible.
Rumbling Noise
A rumble while you are driving, especially if it gets louder the faster you go, suggests that you have a bearing fault. The bearing sits in the wheel and if it seizes up it will lock the wheel up, potentially causing you to crash.
It’s best to get the bearing replaced by the professionals as soon as possible. This isn’t something you can generally do at home.
Of course, the bottom line is that any strange noise on your vehicle should be checked out straight away. The earlier you catch it the easier and cheaper it is likely to be to fix it.