Strange Car Noises? Your Vehicle Needs a Car Service
If your vehicle is making strange noises that you've never heard before and they don't go away, it's a good indication that a car service is needed. The type of noise will give you a clue as to the kind of problem that may be lurking under the hood.
Here's a list of some typical noises that may indicate that a pending car repair is in your future:
- High pitch squealing – heard when turning the steering wheel at low speed, accompanied by a sharp, jerky motion of the steering wheel. This sound can be an indication that the power-steering is loose or worn, the power steering belt needs to be tightened or replaced, or that the power steering fluid level is low and needs to be topped off. If the squealing sound is heard after starting the engine, other belts such as the alternator, air conditioner compressor, or water pump could be loose. Schedule a car repair to see if a replacement or adjustment is needed on any of these belts.
- Whistling or hissing -- normally heard when the engine is running or at idle, due to a broken or missing vacuum hose. This problem will not only cause your engine to shake and idle poorly, it can also cause higher fuel consumption and decreased the performance of your vehicle.
- Tapping, clicking, or clatter -- if your engine has not been started in a while, a light tapping or clicking sound may be heard for a few minutes. This is usually because the oil has not had sufficient time to lubricate the engine. The sound is caused by valve lifters that need to refill with engine oil upon starting. If the problem persists more than a few seconds, a filter and oil change may be necessary.
- Pinging or rattling -- usually when the engine is revved up at a higher than idle speed and typically sounds like marbles rattling in a can. It can be caused by abnormal combustion called "detonation" or "spark knock". If this problem persists, don't put off taking your vehicle in for car service, as key engine parts may overheat and lead to serious engine damage.
- Roaring - typically emitted from a leak either in the muffler or exhaust pipes attached to the exhaust system. It becomes louder as the accelerator is depressed and the engine accelerates. The exhaust leak allows poisonous carbon monoxide gas to escape into the atmosphere, and in the worst case, into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle running clean and your passengers safe with a timely car repair.
If any of these sounds are familiar to you, it will be more than worth the effort to have an inspection and diagnosis run at a car service center. Some problems can wait; others may worsen if you procrastinate having that needed car repair. You can save money by taking care of problems before they get bigger.
Need questions answered about strange noises? Our car repair specialists will be glad to help you. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
If your vehicle is making strange noises that you've never heard before and they don't go away, it's a good indication that a car service is needed. The type of noise will give you a clue as to the kind of problem that may be lurking under the hood.
Here's a list of some typical noises that may indicate that a pending car repair is in your future:
- High pitch squealing – heard when turning the steering wheel at low speed, accompanied by a sharp, jerky motion of the steering wheel. This sound can be an indication that the power-steering is loose or worn, the power steering belt needs to be tightened or replaced, or that the power steering fluid level is low and needs to be topped off. If the squealing sound is heard after starting the engine, other belts such as the alternator, air conditioner compressor, or water pump could be loose. Schedule a car repair to see if a replacement or adjustment is needed on any of these belts.
- Whistling or hissing -- normally heard when the engine is running or at idle, due to a broken or missing vacuum hose. This problem will not only cause your engine to shake and idle poorly, it can also cause higher fuel consumption and decreased the performance of your vehicle.
- Tapping, clicking, or clatter -- if your engine has not been started in a while, a light tapping or clicking sound may be heard for a few minutes. This is usually because the oil has not had sufficient time to lubricate the engine. The sound is caused by valve lifters that need to refill with engine oil upon starting. If the problem persists more than a few seconds, a filter and oil change may be necessary.
- Pinging or rattling -- usually when the engine is revved up at a higher than idle speed and typically sounds like marbles rattling in a can. It can be caused by abnormal combustion called "detonation" or "spark knock". If this problem persists, don't put off taking your vehicle in for car service, as key engine parts may overheat and lead to serious engine damage.
- Roaring - typically emitted from a leak either in the muffler or exhaust pipes attached to the exhaust system. It becomes louder as the accelerator is depressed and the engine accelerates. The exhaust leak allows poisonous carbon monoxide gas to escape into the atmosphere, and in the worst case, into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle running clean and your passengers safe with a timely car repair.
If any of these sounds are familiar to you, it will be more than worth the effort to have an inspection and diagnosis run at a car service center. Some problems can wait; others may worsen if you procrastinate having that needed car repair. You can save money by taking care of problems before they get bigger.
Need questions answered about strange noises? Our car repair specialists will be glad to help you. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary's Quality Automotive by calling (308) 381-2295 or go online at https://www.garysautoinc.com/ for more information. Our auto shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
