Why is your car making that noise? Should your car be making that noise? What does it mean? This is a short guide to the strange and unusual noises your car might make while you’re driving it. Some car noises are perfectly normal. Others might suggest that you’re doing something wrong, or that your car might need a service. As you’ll see, the best thing to do should you hear almost any unusual noise while driving is to head to a mechanic as soon as you can. Strange noises suggest developing issues, and it’s best to address these issues before they become serious problems! Car Makes Noise When Accelerating at Low SpeedsWhat does the noise sound like? Different noises can mean different things. Two common noises you might hear from your wheels are slapping and chirping. Both slapping and chirping can mean different things but you’ll want to take them both seriously as they could be a sign of serious damage.
Loud Noise When AcceleratingA loud squeaking or squealing noise while accelerating could mean there’s a problem with your engine belt. It could mean the belt’s loose or worn. Or it could mean that one of the belt’s pulleys is starting to fail. A loud rumbling noise when accelerating might suggest there’s a problem with your exhaust system. There might be a leak somewhere, and the rumbling is the sound of your system working extra hard to manage excess exhaust fumes. Apart from this, different noises can mean different things:
Squeaking Noise When Driving SlowA squeaking noise when you’re driving slowly is very likely to indicate a problem with your brakes. Maybe your wheel bearings are getting worn. Or maybe there’s an issue with your brake pads or discs. If you hear a squealing noise when braking, then it’s certainly time to replace your brake pads. For some brake pads, this squealing is a design feature. It’s the pads’ way of telling you that they’re worn down, and that you need to get a replacement as soon as possible. Obviously, if there’s anything wrong with your brakes, you need to sort the issue out immediately. This squeaking sound might simply mean you need a bit of lubrication. Or it might indicate something more serious. It’s best to be sure. Knocking Noise When Going Over BumpsDo you hear a knocking noise when you go over bumps? If the knocking sound is coming from inside your car, then it’s probably just some heavy object clumping around in your boot or glove compartment. But if the knocking noise is coming from underneath your car, then it might mean that some vital component has come loose. And if this is the case, then you know what to do: See a mechanic immediately! Safeguard Yourself Against the Worst Case ScenarioIt’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you hear any strange noise while driving, don’t ignore it! Take a note of when it happens, and of how it sounds. Then contact a mechanic as soon as you can. Odd noises in the car are often a sign of a developing problem, so the sooner you sort it out, the better. But sometimes, cars can break down quite without warning. Unless you have adequate cover, you could be stranded for hours, awaiting rescue. That’s why it pays to add breakdown cover to your comprehensive car insurance policy. Find out more about our breakdown cover here. It’s a guarantee that, no matter what happens, help will soon be at hand. Head here to learn more about Go Girl car insurance. |