When you drive a lot, you start to get very familiar with all the ins and outs of your car—and that includes the noises it makes.
If you ever catch yourself thinking that something sounds wrong with your car, you’re probably right. There is a wide variety of noises your car can make to signal to you that something isn’t right.
To learn more, check out this list of the different noises your car makes and what they mean.
Squeaking
If you hear squeaking noises when you brake, it is likely that you’re hearing worn brake pads. Your brakes could make some screeching noises for a little while if your tires are wet, but the noise goes away eventually. In some pads, a metal rubs on the braking rotor after the pad material wears off, producing a noise.
If there is screeching along with grinding while you are driving, your brake pads are probably worn and should be replaced. When it comes to different noises your car makes and what they mean, this one is probably the most easily recognized.
Rumbling
If you’re idling, you hear the sound of rumbling, and the volume increases as you get faster, then you might have an exhaust leak. This could be coming from the flex pipe or muffler, a gasket, or some other component. In these cases, it may be necessary to repair or replacement of the leaky component to continue safely operating your vehicle.
Droning
A strange noise that increases as you speed up may be caused by your tires, especially if they’re worn or old. Your tires may have “feathered” (or become worn out) and might have treads that look irregular. It’s essential to have your tires in proper working order, so make sure to get them examined regularly.
Knocking
A knocking sound might be caused by using the incorrect type of gasoline in the engine. If you try to use a fuel with a lower octane than what is necessary, you can cause damage to your spark plugs. In addition, the pistons will move chaotically, making it seem like something is hitting or hammering. Use the proper kind of fuel to fix this problem.
Clicking
As you move the wheel, you might hear a clicking noise that is getting progressively louder and faster. If you no longer hear anything if you face in the opposite direction, the issue may be due to defective wheel bearings or a leaky CV axle. The components begin to make a clicking sound if they dry out because of the lack of oil. Your mechanic could replace the boot and lubricate it to alleviate this problem.