Key Takeaways
- Engine damage or problems can create unusual sounds that cause great worry.
- All car owners should know the distinct engine sounds that cause alarm and warrant a visit to the dealership.
- The winters are especially popular for testing your engine’s durability. You might face significant engine issues during the period.
- Regardless of the unusual car sounds and problems, having a reliable auto technician behind your back makes all car woes manageable.
Yes, your car has a personality. And just like with people, each one has different quirks and noises that come along with it. But what do these sounds mean? Should you be worried when your engine starts rattling?
Keep reading as we discuss unusual car noises and what they might indicate about your vehicle’s health. As a bonus, we’ll also share tips on how to deal with unusual car engine sounds if necessary.
So, pull up a chair & learn all about car maintenance! You never know; it just might save you from a costly repair bill down the road.
Car Engine Noises that Could Mean Trouble
Some engine sounds indicate more trouble than others. So, if you hear any of the following five noises from your car’s engine, it might be time to take it in for a tune-up.
- Hissing or Sizzling
A loud hissing or sizzling sound is never cool; it is usually an indication of a coolant leak from the radiator or one of the engine hoses. Coolant is essential for keeping your engine at the proper temperature, so if there’s a leak, an auto technician needs to take a look as soon as possible. An overheating engine can spell disaster for your car and possibly leave you stranded on a busy freeway. Please don’t wait for the hissing sound to disappear; it won’t; get it checked immediately.
Also, Learn – The Difference Between a Coolant and Antifreeze
- Clanking or Knocking
A clanking or knocking noise often indicates a problem with the connecting rods or bearings. This serious issue should be addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
- Squealing
If your car’s engine starts squealing when you switch on the ignition, it could indicate that the serpentine belt needs replacement. The serpentine belt powers various car components, such as the alternator, water pump, and power steering pump.
- The Knocking Noise
Low or dirty oil levels produce an ungainly knocking noise that you should not ignore. Check the oil level and quality and if necessary, add more oil or have the oil changed by a mechanic. Continuing to drive with low or dirty oil can cause severe damage to the engine, as your ride’s already begging for a visit to the technician.
- The Humming Noise
Your car’s not auditioning for the American Idol; if you hear that humming noise when you put the pedal to the metal, it’s because the wheel has loose bearings. Wheel bearings are essential in keeping your wheels spinning smoothly, so if they’re worn out, you’ll need to replace them.
Car engine noises can be annoying, but some of them can also indicate that there is trouble brewing under the hood. If your car starts making any of these five noises, take note and take action accordingly to avoid further damage.
How the Winter Can Cause Your Engine to Make Unusual Noises?
Whether it’s a squeak, a rattle, or something else entirely, engine noises during the winter can be cause for alarm—or at the very least, a visit to your mechanic. But why does this happen, and should you be worried?
The first thing to understand is that cold weather can profoundly affect your car’s engine. When the temperature drops, your engine’s metal components contract, creating all sorts of strange noises. Winter weather also leads to condensation buildup inside the engine, further contributing to those annoying noises.
So, should you be worried if your car starts making strange noises during the winter? The answer is yes and no. If the noise is something you’ve never heard before or if it’s accompanied by other strange symptoms (like decreased performance or increased fuel consumption), then it’s worth taking your car to a qualified mechanic for a checkup.
However, if the noise is something you’ve heard before and it doesn’t seem to be affecting your car’s performance, then it’s probably…. another thing to worry about, never take engine noises for granted and schedule a maintenance check with a reliable auto technician.
Diagnosing Engine Noises – Steps Auto Technicians Take
Before you visit the auto-technician, a simple DIY inspection can reveal important details about the source of engine noise. Here are a few steps you can follow:
Step One: Identify the Type of Noise You’re Hearing
Is the noise a knocking sound? A hissing sound? A clicking sound? Or something else entirely? Identifying the type of noise can be a useful starting point in diagnosing the problem.
Step Two: Listen for Where the Noise is Coming From
Is the noise coming from the front of the engine? The back? The side? Narrowing down the location can also help pinpoint the problem.
Step Three: Compare the Noise to Other Sounds You Know
Does the noise sound like anything else you know? Try to compare it to other noises you’ve heard before (either in real life or in movies/television) to see if that gives you any clues.
Step Four: Take Your Car for a Test Drive
Once you’ve done the above, it’s time for a test drive. Pay attention to when the noise is happening and see if you can reproduce it under different conditions. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to diagnose the problem.
Unwanted car noises are never fun. But fortunately, most of the time, they do not cause alarm. If you’re ever unsure about a noise your car is making, bring it to us, and we’ll take a listen.
Mike Patton Auto Group, serving Lone Oak, GA, can help decipher what the problem may be and whether it needs detailed repair or maintenance. After all, that’s what we’re here for!
Schedule a service with us today, and let us help you eliminate any unwanted car noises.
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