One of the best ways that our vehicles can communicate with us when they need some attention is through the noises they make. They cannot tell you exactly when they need repair, but if you know what to listen for, you can stay on top of your car’s needs. Knowing what’s wrong with your vehicle before taking it in for repairs can help you prepare for the cost and interaction with the mechanic. Here are five vehicle noises that you should listen for.
Grinding in the Wheels
If you’re applying pressure to the brake pedal and you hear grinding, there’s a good chance that your brake pads are worn down and your brakes are applying metal to metal in order to bring the car to a halt. This will quickly damage your brakes and your rotors. Sometimes your brake pads will be fine, but your calipers might be grinding against the rotors. Either way, continuing to drive without giving your brake situation some attention will certainly damage your car.
Squealing When You Stop or Slow Down
Brakes squealing is a classic sign that you need new pads. Try to get your pads replaced soon after the squealing begins in order to protect the rest of your braking system. Brake pads are fairly cheap to replace, but the other parts, like the rotors and calipers, will cost you more. If you keep up with regular brake pad replacement, the rest of the parts should last you a while.
Rattling or Sputtering From the Exhaust
Another important car noise to be aware of is rattling or sputtering that sounds like it’s coming from under the car or back in the exhaust. When your exhaust system sounds louder than it should, this is a sign that you may need to patch up a corroded part of the system, reattach a disconnected pipe, or replace your muffler. Sometimes the entire system might need to be replaced, but usually, it’s a smaller fix.
Squealing Under the Hood
If you hear a squealing noise that seems like it’s coming from the engine, you might need a new serpentine belt. This is the belt that takes power from the engine to your car’s multiple systems like the alternator, air-conditioning, or power steering. Ignoring this noise can lead to some serious damage, so it’s best to get the belt checked and replaced if needed. Without a properly working serpentine belt, the car’s engine can quickly overheat causing serious danger.
Hissing Engine
A hissing engine is a sign of overheating or leaking engine coolant. You might hear this sound while driving or soon after turning the car off. Either way, you’ll want to check this out immediately to prevent any damage. If you open the hood of the car and see any leaking fluids or smell something sweet, there’s a good chance your car is leaking antifreeze.
Head into Bob Ruwart Motors next time you’re looking for a new car at Bob Ruwart Motors. Our service department is well-equipped to handle any issues or questions you may have with your old car, and our sales staff will be happy to get you behind the wheel of a new model.
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