Problem-Solving In Pearlington: 7 Noisy Signs Your Car Needs An Auto Mechanic

Key takeaways:

• If your car makes a droning noise, your tires might be in trouble
• A whining after you "lock" your steering means your power steering pump is in peril
• Constant humming could indicate your wheel-bearing is bad
• If you hear squealing when starting your car, your serpentine belt might need service
• Your CV axle shaft boot needs service if you're catching a clicking noise
• Clunks over bumps signify a suspension system without safety
• Squeaking and grinding could mean many issues, a common one being bad brakes

While an experienced auto mechanic can diagnose problems in minutes, it may take the average car owner a bit longer. If you hear strange noises from your car, paying attention and investigating the source is essential.

To help you along, we've compiled a list of 9 scary sounds your car shouldn't make. If you hear any of these, it's time to consider some mechanic inspections.

No. 1: Droning

Any droning noise we're sure you'll agree can be annoying. But if you're hearing it from your car, it's a cause for concern. While turning, this sound might not change in pitch or volume. You can expect it to get louder as you accelerate, however.

The first place to inspect is your tires. A droning noise can indicate that your tires are wearing out or of less-than-ideal quality. If you're hearing this noise, get to an auto mechanic as soon as possible and ask about getting new tires.

Your tires might also wear out unevenly or become "feathered tires." This sign can indicate a worn suspension component, which will need to be addressed by a mechanic.

No. 2: Whining

If your car has hydraulic power steering, you might be in the habit of "locking" your steering wheel. "Locking" is when a driver turns the steering wheel to one side until it can't turn anymore. This bad habit stresses the steering system and can cause whining noises.

It helps to stop an inch away from the locking position. You should also have a mechanic check your car's power steering system as soon as possible. You might have damaged your power steering pump if the whining sound persists.

No. 3: Humming

Every avid driver loves the purring of a car engine. Sometimes, however, what you think is a purr might be a very low humming noise. This is especially true if you're accelerating and the humming increases in volume, almost like an airplane taking off. You might turn one way, thereby increasing the noise, but the humming disappears when you turn the other way.

If you're experiencing this, set a speed that you'll coast. Watch your RPM and speed gauge rise as you accelerate, then let off the gas pedal. Your RPM should drop, and so should the humming sound. If the sound continues, it's not purring from the engine.

Instead, it's probably a wheel-bearing noise. The bearings act as cushions between the axel and the wheel, providing a smooth surface for it to rotate on. Over time, though, they can become worn out or damaged, causing many problems.

You'll want to get a mechanic involved as soon as possible for this issue.

No. 4: Squealing

This higher-pitched indication of trouble usually shows up when you start your engine and turn on your AC. If it continues after the engine has warmed up, there's a good chance your serpentine belt needs replacement.

The serpentine belt is responsible for operating several components in your car, including the water pump, power steering, and air conditioning compressor. If it breaks, you'll probably hear a loud snapping before the squealing starts.

However, if you're only hearing squeaking, you can expect the band to have worn down. Make some room in your schedule for mechanic inspections and have them take a look.

No. 5: Clicking

Another scary sound you might hear is a clicking noise that gets louder when you turn the wheel. If you're hearing this, it's likely your CV axle shaft boot. The shaft boot is what lubricates and protects the CV joint, so if it's not in good condition, you'll start to hear clicking.

This is a severe problem because the CV joint will eventually fail if it's not adequately protected. Once that happens, you'll have to replace the entire axle shaft. So, if you're hearing clicking that increases as you accelerate and decreases as you slow, get to an auto mechanic as soon as possible.

No. 6: Clunking

You shouldn't hear any low-pitched clunks or rattling when driving over a bump. These sounds generally aren't cyclical, so they won't increase or decrease depending on acceleration.

You might want to check your suspension system if you encounter these noises. This system includes your shocks and struts, ball joints, coil springs, and stabilizers, all of which help keep the car level and provide a smooth ride. Over time, these components can wear out, and if you hear clunking, they might have broken and disconnected from the car.

This problem calls for a professional inspection; an auto mechanic will be able to tell you whether any of these parts need replacement. Not only are they expensive to replace, but they're also integral to the safety of your car. So, if you hear strange noises, don't ignore them! Bring your vehicle to a mechanic and have them take a listen.

No. 7: Grinding or Squeaking

This last one applies if you hear any grinding or squeaking while braking. These sounds are usually indicative of brake pads that need retirement. Your brakes are, of course, crucial to the safety of your car, so this is not a repair you want to put off.

In most cases, mechanics can quickly diagnose the problem and give you an estimate for the repairs. The process might involve cleaning, lubricating, or replacing specific parts.

Your brake pads might even have "squealers" meant to make noise to alert the driver that they need replacement. So, if you hear a loud, high-pitched noise from your brakes, don't ignore it!

If you're ever unsure about a problem with your car, it's always best to err on the side of caution and bring it in for an inspection. Forbes provides a list of dos and don'ts to learn how to communicate better with your auto mechanic.

Conclusion

That was a simple guide to 7 sounds your car might make and what they could indicate. If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to bring your car to an auto mechanic for a professional opinion.