Fall Car Care Month: Is Your Car Trying to Tell You Something?

Car owners don’t necessarily have to be certified mechanics to know when something is wrong with a vehicle. Cars make a variety of noises, including thumps, squeals and hisses, that let drivers know when something is wrong.

Staying tuned in to vehicle noise is important for drivers who want to keep their cars in good shape. Essentially, owners can listen to the sounds made by their cars and possibly invest in early care to avoid total breakdown and more costly vehicle repairs down the road.

Most drivers know the types of noises made by their vehicles during normal operation. If and when these noises change, drivers should be careful to note any oddities in the new sounds, which could be signs that problems are developing. Many noises represent specific issues in a vehicle’s operation, such as high-pitched squealing that stops when the driver hits the brakes; this is often a sign that brake inspection is due. When grinding sounds are heard each time the brakes are applied, it might mean that brake pads are worn and in need of replacement.

If thumping occurs and speeds up and slows down in relation with the vehicle’s rate of travel, drivers should make an appointment with a mechanic. These sounds could signify a problem with the tires, such as tearing or a bubble in a tire’s sidewall, which could lead to blowout if allowed to deteriorate.

When sounds occur under the hood, drivers should pay close attention because serious problems may be occurring. For example, hissing could be a sign of a vacuum hose being cracked or disconnected. Squealing sounds that occur when the engine is revved could be the result of drive belt slippage. With timely inspection and repairs, owners can keep vehicles working smoothly and safely for longer.

The variety of noises that can be made by a vehicle in distress is virtually endless, so drivers should make a continual effort to listen closely for anything unusual. By staying educated on the many sounds that vehicles make due to problems, issues can be fixed before they get out of hand.