Listen Out For These 9 Car Sounds You Shouldn't Ignore

Key Takeaway:

• A car emits many sounds, but some indicate serious faults if you know what sound to listen for.
• Hissing, knocking, grinding, and spluttering are indicative of potentially serious problems with the vehicle.
• The apparent reason for odd car sounds is a lack of maintenance of the engine & car components. Some sounds can indicate life-threatening issues with the car, while others require a minor fix.
• Regular auto service protects you, your loved ones, and your investment. A well-maintained car will also cost you less on upkeep.
• Supreme Chevrolet of Gonzales offers exceptional & feasible auto maintenance & OEM parts replacement in Maurepas, LA, for all your noisy car troubles.

A car is bound to make noise when running. But how does one distinguish between a 'healthy' car sound and a dangerous car sound?

You might think that a car fault sound might get lost in the mechanical grinding, but the Supreme Chevrolet of Gonzales, serving Maurepas, LA, will take you into explicit details of what certain car sounds indicate and which sounds might indicate a fault with the car. Tag along with us and discover an enriching way of protecting your investment by stopping hefty auto service receipts before they get there!

What's The Deal With Regular Auto Service?

Before the pandemic disrupted daily activities, a staggering 73% of car owners took pride in the well-being of their cars. That's trickled down to just a quarter this year because folks always find a reason to delay auto service. An 80% reported delaying service because they do not think the issue is severe enough or that it might cost too much for just a diagnostic.

When you regularly service your car, dedicate some time to its operational health, and ensure it is protected as an investment - the car protects you & your interests. If you put off service altogether, not only are you risking exposing yourself & your loved ones to car hazards, and you will also spend an awful lot for significant repairs in the future. Regular maintenance keeps the dangerous car sounds at bay - think of it.

And, in the end, your car also ranks high enough on resale for all your efforts to protect it as an investment!

Why Are Car Sounds That Important?

There are good car sounds & there are dangerous car sounds that indicate a severe car fault. Your job as a car owner is to:

a) keep an ear out for these sounds

b) schedule service ASAP

c) stay abreast of any severe car issues &

d) arrest these issues before they become huge expenses

We've compiled a list of sounds & possible causes that should become an exercise in daily running. They will distinguish between a damaged car and one with retained mint condition.

That is the most apparent car noise - almost stereotypical of all car sounds - that indicates belt slippage from the pulleys that drive the compressor, the radiator fan, or the power steering. Folks DIY lubricate squealing fan belts with stick deodorants, but best to avoid that and use dedicated lubes to stem the sound.

If the squealing is triggered by engaging the brakes, then it can also be an issue with worn-out brake pads.

That car noise indicates a vacuum leak in the engine air intake valves. You might want to keep an eye on the mileage to further pinpoint the issue with the valve. It will lead to higher fuel consumption, poor combustion, and possible misfiring in the engine.

The weird clicks emanating from your car that become even more evident when you turn the vehicle off indicate low engine oil levels. You might want to check the dashboard temp gauge to supplement the possibility of low oil levels, as the engine will undoubtedly be overheating. It is a dangerous car sound resulting from an overheating

 engine.

A roaring car might sound like the ultimate flex, but unless you have had an add-on for the sound, that is the sound of an old muffler. It can also be a worn-out exhaust system that is no longer doing its job. It does not sound like something serious, but car emissions are possibly breaching the cabin, leading to air toxicity. Do not ignore a roaring exhaust!

It might be a loose bolt or two - that's what you think! But a rattling sound can indicate an issue with the suspension or that the exhaust housing is loose from the undercarriage. You should book for auto service & get it checked.

That is the most dangerous car sound on this list, indicating an internal engine issue. A mechanic can better diagnose the problem because there is not just one when an engine begins to knock. Don't confuse the sound with a poorly tuned engine's mild 'ping,' which indicates using wrong, low-octane fuel.

Hissing occurs when the radiator fluid breaches the engine, i.e., it has gone into the cylinders and is boiling off as steam and leaking out an equally damaged gasket. You should turn the car off and call in for roadside assistance. Do not attempt to meddle with the engine block unless you are a trained auto professional.

Also, read Radiator Dilemma In Louisiana: Antifreeze Vs. Engine Coolant

That noise indicates a car fault with the gearbox, the clutch plates, and the driveshaft. It can compromise the entire transmission and indicate low fluid levels or a possible leak. If the grinding sound triggers on engaging the car's brakes, then the pads have worn out, and the metal housing is hitting the disc rotors. None of it is good news, so off to auto service!

This car fault indicates faulty brakes and can also be a sign of significant damage to the brake pads, discs & calipers. If the clunking occurs when you go over bumps, it's an issue with the suspension. And if it happens when you turn sharp corners, it's a car fault with the power steering.

The key takeaway is that if your car is regularly maintained and tuned to optimal performance, it will run better and give you fewer car faults. Skipping service is not the right way to save yourself a couple hundred when you risk thousands in the future. Be regular on essential car service!

Is Your Car Making Any of The Above Sounds? 

Supreme Chevrolet Of Gonzales, serving Maurepas, LA, houses a stunning display of quality cars & offers exceptional auto service in the region for all your noisy dilemmas. We also have new Chevrolet, pre-owned vehicles, & CPOs accumulated from various distinguished American makes.

If you are interested in selling or trading your car, you can contact us for auto service & subsequent appraisal. Book for service with us today!