What’s That Noise?! 4 Car Sounds You Need to Check On

We’ve all been there. You start the car up as you would before any other drive, but this time something’s different: you hear a dreaded “noise.” Even if you haven’t experienced this scenario exactly, you’ve likely heard some type of rattle, squeak, or squeal coming from your vehicle unexpectedly.

If you’re like most, your initial reaction is to consider the noise’s impact on your wallet and then turn the radio up to drown it out. Unfortunately, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. The sad but true reality is that it’ll likely just make it worse.

In this article, we’ll cover four noises that indicate a trip to one of our 43 convenient Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers is necessary.

1. A Squeak During Braking

Your brakes have a difficult job. Bringing your car safely to a stop requires a significant amount of friction, meaning your braking system endures a great deal of stress each time you drive. Over time, the various components of your braking system will wear down, and brake pads and rotors will need replacing. If you’ve noticed a squeaking or grinding noise when applying pressure to the brake pedal, there’s a good chance that worn-out brake pads are to blame. When the pad wears away, your brakes go “metal on metal,” which means you could be looking at a more expensive repair bill, and more importantly, your safety is compromised.

2. Clunking Under the Hood

To state the obvious, your engine is an essential part of your vehicle. Therefore, taking care of any issues in this area is crucial. A minor breakdown can start a chain reaction of problems that end up costing you a lot of money. A serpentine or timing belt break may cause a ‘clunking’ noise from under the hood. This scenario is a perfect example of an issue that can be an affordable fix if taken care of promptly but could be very expensive if you neglect inspection. One of our expert and certified service technicians can install a new belt, and you can avoid damaging your engine permanently.

3. A Roaring Exhaust

Unless your car is designed for high performance, you shouldn’t hear a loud noise from your exhaust when accelerating. If you notice a conspicuously loud noise, there are several potential causes. It’s crucial to pinpoint the cause as soon as possible to avoid further issues.

The most common reason for a loud exhaust is a crack in the system. Gasses from your engine should exit the vehicle through your rear exhaust, but if there’s a hole somewhere, those gasses can escape (causing the noise).

Another all-too-common reason for a loud exhaust is your catalytic converter. And when we say catalytic converter, we mean a lack thereof. Because this car part uses a high-value metal, thieves have been taking them at a high rate recently.

4. Growling or Moaning While Turning

This one is a little harder to describe, but we’ll call it a “growling” or “moaning” sound (depending on the animal you want to use) that is audible while turning. It may also be accompanied by a steering wheel that’s harder than usual to turn and is likely a symptom of a power steering issue.

Over the years, there have been several changes in power steering technology, and not all of them are bona fide improvements. For example, the electronic components responsible for power steering on newer vehicles – as opposed to hydraulics on older cars – can break down quicker than you’d hope.

Whether you need a refill on your power steering fluid or a total power steering pump replacement if you hear the noises described above, it’s best to get your vehicle looked at as soon as possible. If your car becomes unexpectedly challenging to turn without warning, you’re placing yourself at serious risk out on the road.

Get That Noise Checked Out at a Dobbs Near You

If you’re experiencing any of the sounds discussed in this article, it’s time for an inspection. With 43 convenient Dobbs Tire & Auto Center locations, our expert and certified service technicians are here to make sure you’re set up for safe driving.

Get in touch online today, or check our list of locations and stop in. We’ll provide you with an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most affordable and effective solution.