Your car is like a trusted companion, getting you from point A to point B without complaint. However, just like any relationship, it’s essential to listen when your vehicle starts speaking up. 

Vehicles can make a lot of strange noises, but if you listen carefully, you can distinguish between what’s normal and what isn’t. Unusual sounds coming from your vehicle can be early warning signs of underlying issues, so it’s important to know how to recognize them. In this blog, we’ll explore some commonly occurring “red flag” car noises and what they might be trying to tell you.

Problem Area: Brakes

Squealing or Screeching Brakes

If your brakes emit a high-pitched squeal or screech when you apply them, it’s often a sign that your brake pads are worn down. Brake pads have a built-in indicator that produces this noise to alert you that it’s time for a replacement. 
Ignoring this sound for too long can wear down your brakes, making it harder for your vehicle to stop, potentially putting you in dangerous situations.

Grinding While Braking

A grinding noise while braking is a more severe issue than squealing. It typically means your brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal parts are grinding against the rotor. 

This is not only an expensive fix but it’s also dangerous, as it can damage other brake components and reduce stopping power.

Problem Area: Steering

Clicking While Turning

If you hear a clicking noise when you turn your steering wheel, it might indicate an issue with your CV (constant velocity) joints. These joints allow your front wheels to turn while transmitting power from the transmission to the wheels. 

A damaged CV joint can affect your ability to control your vehicle and should be addressed promptly.

Thumping or Popping When Turning

A thumping or popping noise when you turn your wheel could suggest a problem with the suspension components, such as worn-out struts, shocks, or control arm bushings. 

A damaged suspension can lead to poor handling and reduced vehicle stability.

Problem Area: Engine

Hissing Under the Hood

A hissing noise coming from under the hood could indicate a problem with your vehicle’s cooling system. It might be a leak in the radiator, a damaged hose, or a failing water pump. 

If your engine is overheating or you see steam escaping from under the hood, pull over immediately and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.

Knocking or Tapping

There are a variety of reasons that your engine could be making a knocking noise, but most of them mean that you need maintenance on a major engine component. 

A variety of problems can cause engine knocking, including putting the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle, spark plug issues or more serious issues, such as worn-out connecting rod bearings, piston slap, or damaged crankshaft bearings. Many of these problems often require extensive engine repair or rebuilding.

Grinding Between Gears

When your engine makes a grinding noise between gears, it typically indicates a problem with the transmission. This issue is commonly associated with manual transmissions, but it can also occur in automatic transmissions in certain situations.

In a manual transmission, the problem could be the clutch wearing down, worn synchromesh rings, or it could be the result of an incorrect shifting technique. In automatic transmission vehicles, the problem could be low transmission fluid or worn transmission components.

Clicking When Turning Key

Most vehicle owners have experienced this distinctive sound at some point in their lives: the dreaded clicking of a dead battery. Read our blog “8 Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery” for tips to avoid this issue.

Clicking While Accelerating

If you hear a clicking noise when you accelerate or make tight turns, it might be due to a worn-out or damaged axle or CV joint. Neglecting this issue can lead to more severe problems and even a complete axle failure.

Problem Area: External

Rumbling or Roaring Underneath

A deep rumbling or roaring sound coming from underneath your car could be a sign of a damaged or worn-out exhaust system. This might include a hole in the muffler or a damaged catalytic converter. Apart from being noisy, a damaged exhaust system can reduce fuel efficiency and increase harmful emissions.

In Alaska, it’s especially important to get your exhaust system checked regularly. The salt brine used on winter roads combined with a constant freeze/thaw process accelerates the decay of the metals in your exhaust pipe.

Making Meaning from the Noise

Learning to listen to your car is crucial for maintaining its health and your safety on the road. 

If you notice any of these unusual car noises, don’t ignore them. Instead, consult a qualified mechanic—like the ASE Certified Master Technicians at METRO—to diagnose and fix the issue promptly. Following an Alaska-specific routine maintenance schedule can help you spot and address these problems early. As such, it can also safeguard your wallet against costly repairs and ensure your vehicle continues to serve as your trusted, reliable companion year-round.

Is your car speaking up? We’re listening! Call or click to make an appointment with METRO today: https://metropolitangarage.com/appointment