5 Car Noises That Should Concern You

The true annual cost of owning a new car is high and ranges from $9,000 to $11,000. Included in this average cost is the price of ownership, the monthly cost of a car loan, the costs of insurance, repairs, maintenance, and fuel costs.

If you perform preventive maintenance for your car, you eliminate expensive repairs or parts replacement, but sometimes problems may still arise. Fortunately, the car itself may warn you of trouble in advance through myriad noises. Learn about some strange car noises that should alert you to serious auto issues.

A high-pitched sound from any part of your car is a sign of trouble. The most common of these are brake squealing or grinding which occurs when the brake pad indicator rubs against the brake rotor.

Brake trouble can also cause a jarring, bumping sound. The sounds are a sign of worn-out brake pads. Brakes are critical for your safety on the road, so at the auto service center, your technician will have the pads replaced.

Another sign of car trouble is a whirring sound that points to a worn-out or loose serpentine belt. You can distinguish this sound from that of problematic brakes because it comes from the car's hood.

The serpentine belt is crucial for power transfer from the transmission to major parts of the car. If the belt fails, the car stalls or causes further damage to the engine parts. If you suspect the serpentine belt is about to fail, visit an auto service for immediate inspection. Early repairs or replacement could save you a lot of money.

An engine backfire is the most likely source of a loud bang from your car. The problem occurs when the combustion happens outside the cylinder. The air-fuel mixture burns in a section of the exhaust system, hence the sudden audible bang.

You shouldn't ignore this problem because it leads to energy waste and could also damage parts of your engine. The problem can arise because of bad ignition timing, a bent valve, or a rich air-fuel mixture. An auto technician has the expertise and equipment to diagnose the cause of the engine backfire and repair it.

A knock from under the hood is a sign of serious trouble in your car engine. If you hear constant pinging or knocking from the engine, it's likely there's a problem with combustion in one or more cylinders. The problem can develop if you use a fuel with a very low octane rating.

Other probable causes include carbon deposits, problems with the spark plugs, poor combustion timing, or a knock sensor problem. Only a qualified engine technician can correctly diagnose the problem. If you run your car with an engine knock, there is an enormous risk of severe engine damage.

If you notice a tapping or clicking sound in your car engine, it's likely that the oil tank is low. The sound could also arise from oil pressure problems or valve issues. Your mechanic will also check for problems with the CV joints if the noises occur when you turn.

The car engine is complex, but luckily, it may give you warning about any complications. To avoid costly repairs or replacement of car parts, always keep an ear out for these common sounds that portend problems with different parts of the car. Your car mechanic will have a better idea about the underlying car problem when you pinpoint the unusual sound.

For over 42 years, our team at Powers Car Care Centers has offered excellent auto repair in Central Kentucky. If you have car troubles in the Lexington area or the nearby communities, contact us today for the most comprehensive auto care.