The sound of modern cars can be inspiring.

What you don’t want to hear are the

abnormal and annoying warning sounds that may let you know that things aren’t
all good under the hood.

Many automotive issues can alter the noises your car makes. For example, poor
alignment can cause squeaking when taking a turn. However, certain vehicle
noises indicate the need for immediate maintenance. In this blog, we list eight
common warning sounds that tell you to take your vehicle to a reputable
automotive service center as soon as possible.

1. Chirping Engine

Engine chirping may almost sound like there’s a bird trapped under your hood, or
it may sound squeakier. The chirps will likely happen intermittently and may
change frequency depending on the type of driving you’re doing.

The sound usually occurs when a timing or serpentine belt in the engine becomes
loose or damaged. Some automotive belts can be adjusted, while others must be
replaced. If left unaddressed, loose belts can cause permanent engine damage.
Excessive belt wear could even cause a belt to break while you’re driving.

2. Clacking Steering Wheel

While many car noises come from the engine or undercarriage, they can happen
inside your cabin as well. Your steering wheel can make a clacking or clicking
noise when you turn.

The clacks may indicate low power steering fluid or damage to a component in
the steering column. These issues tend to progress over time, making the vehicle
harder to maneuver as the problem develops.

3. Clunking Hood

Some engine noises sound like they originate from the hood itself rather than
what lies beneath it. You may hear clunking or banging that sounds like someone
keeping time by tapping on your hood.

Clunking that happens in a rhythm can signal an issue with the pistons or
connecting rods in your engine. It’s vital to find the source of the sound quickly to
avoid costly repairs of damage to the engine caused by the affected pistons or
rods.

4. Grinding Brakes
Ideally, your brakes should be virtually silent when you come to a normal,
complete stop. Any brake noise should be investigated by a professional.

If your brakes start to sound like they’re grinding to a halt, the components of the
brakes are touching directly, which can damage the rotor. Once this level of
damage occurs, your brake system may become unsafe and unpredictable.

5. Popping Turns

Not all clicking when you turn comes directly from the steering wheel. Popping
and clicking noises may also seem to come from one or both of the front wheels.
Generally, this type of popping will stop when you start driving straight again.

The noise most likely indicates that you have a damaged constant velocity, or CV,
joint in the front axle. Without replacement, the joint could become completely
useless and dramatically impact your vehicle’s handling.

6. Rattling Wheels

Many automotive noises are reminiscent of another sound. Rattling from your
wheels often resembles the sound a small object would make while turning over
in a clothes dryer.

The rattling noise means that something isn’t right with the way your wheels are
attached to the car. For example, a lug nut may have come loose and started
rattling as the wheel turned around. Have your tires and wheels checked as soon
as possible.

7. Roaring Undercarriage

Roaring noises from under your car may be similar to the sound of going over a
bridge on a windy day, except the noises don’t stop once you hit solid road again.

This noise almost always comes from an issue with the wheels. You may need to
replace your tires, have the bearings tightened or replaced, or have your tires
balanced to solve the issue.

8. Screeching Stops

Like the grinding brake sounds we discussed in section four, squealing or

screeching brakes necessitate immediate maintenance. The screeching may
happen whenever you tap your brakes initially, but it could occur anytime you use
the brakes if you don’t have the noise checked out.
In many cases, screeching comes right before grinding sounds develop. You may
not have enough brake pad thickness to keep the metal components from
touching. If you catch this early, you may only need to replace the pads. However,
unsolved brake problems can cause brake failure.

If you notice any of these sounds, don’t wait to find out what they mean for the
future of your vehicle. Take your car to Evans Tire & Service Centers for an
inspection and routine maintenance. Prompt action on your part can keep your
car’s engine purring contentedly for years to come no matter where the road
ahead takes you.