When your car starts making unusual sounds, it’s usually not just being quirky. Strange noises are your vehicle’s way of telling you that something isn't working the way it should. Ignoring them could lead to bigger, more expensive repairs or even safety risks down the line. That’s why it’s important to know what to listen for and what those sounds might mean.
Here are five car noises you shouldn’t ignore, and what might be causing them.
1. Squealing or Screeching While Braking
If you hear a high-pitched squeal every time you press the brake pedal, it likely means your brake pads are worn down. Most brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that makes this noise when the material gets thin.
In some cases, the squeal may also come from a glazed rotor surface or low-quality brake parts. Either way, this is a warning you don’t want to overlook. Letting your brake pads wear too far can lead to metal-on-metal contact, damaging your rotors and affecting your ability to stop safely.
2. Knocking Sound From the Engine
A rhythmic knocking or tapping sound coming from under the hood is often a sign of engine trouble. It could be something as simple as low oil, or something much more serious like worn bearings, a failing valve lifter, or poor combustion timing.
The sooner you have this checked, the better. Continuing to drive with a knocking engine can lead to major internal damage, which is far more costly than a routine repair or oil service.
3. Clicking While Turning the Steering Wheel
Hearing a clicking or popping noise when making turns? That often points to a problem with the CV joints. These joints are found on front-wheel-drive and many all-wheel-drive vehicles and allow the wheels to turn smoothly with the suspension.
When the protective boot around the joint tears, dirt and moisture can get inside, breaking down the grease and causing wear. A worn CV joint can eventually fail, leaving you with a car that won’t move properly.
4. Grinding Gears or Transmission Noises
If your car makes a grinding or growling sound while shifting gears, it could be a sign of trouble in the transmission. In manual vehicles, it might mean a worn clutch or damaged synchros. In automatics, the sound could come from low transmission fluid, a failing torque converter, or internal gear damage.
You may also notice rough shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement. Transmission repairs are expensive, so catching these symptoms early can help you avoid a complete breakdown.
5. Whining or Humming That Changes With Speed
A persistent whining or humming noise that changes pitch with your speed is often a sign of a bad wheel bearing. These bearings allow your wheels to rotate with minimal friction. When they wear out or become damaged, they can create noise and lead to uneven tire wear, alignment issues, or even wheel failure in severe cases.
This sound may start subtle and gradually get louder over time. It’s best to get it checked as soon as possible, especially before it affects steering or safety.
When to See a Mechanic
Any unfamiliar sound that sticks around for more than a day or two deserves attention. Even if the noise seems minor now, it could signal a problem that worsens with time. Our technicians are trained to identify the source of strange car noises and fix the root issue before it leads to more serious damage.
Driving with unusual sounds can also reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and overall comfort. Catching a problem early helps protect your investment and your safety on the road.
Expert Diagnostics at Snider Auto Care in Americus and Leesburg, GA
At Snider Auto Care, our technicians have the tools and experience to diagnose noises quickly and accurately. Whether you’re hearing grinding, knocking, clicking, or humming, we’ll get to the source and make sure your car is safe, quiet, and ready to go. With convenient locations in Americus and Leesburg, GA, we make it easy to schedule an inspection and get back on the road with peace of mind.
Call today and let us help you silence those strange car noises for good.