What do these noises mean?

Your car can make a lot of noises, some of them are completely normal, others... not so much. It is important to pay attention to the signs your car is giving you that something may be wrong with one system or another. Strange sounds and noises is one of the most common ways a vehicle will communicate a disorder. If you ever notice any of the following noises be sure to contact an auto repair shop right away as the problems indicated by these sounds can be disastrous for your car and your health.

Grinding while braking

One of the most common sounds heard in a car in need of a repair is grinding or squealing brake pads. This will occur as you slow your vehicle. This indicates that your car's brake pads have worn thin and need to be replaced. It is important that you take care of this issue right away as metal is currently grinding on metal when you brake. This greatly reduces your ability to stop in a timely manner.

Grinding while shifting

Does your car make grinding or howling sounds as it shifts, in either a manual or automatic transmission? Most often this means that the vehicle is low on transmission fluid, which provides the necessary lubrication amongst the moving parts to ensure that there is no unwanted friction. However it could indicate other issues such as a chipped gear tooth or or a wearing torque converter.

Loud exhaust

Your car's exhaust system is designed to keep engine volume at a minimum. If it were to develop a leak you would quickly be aware of it because your car would suddenly sound very loud. You will most often notice the issue during rapid acceleration, such as when entering the highway. The rumbling of the engine may make your car sound cool, but your car will suffer a major loss of fuel efficiency, and the leaked gases could poison you!

Knocking under the hood

A knocking noise that occurs under the hood is often caused by worn engine bearings. These bearings are what the moving parts of the motor rest on and should they wear out it could cause the engine to seize. Fixing that issue would likely require a whole new engine!

Always pay attention to what your car is trying to tell you! If you experience any weird noises don't hesitate to contact Hye Tech Auto for expert auto repair in Covina. We will quickly diagnose the issue and let you know what your options are for auto repair. Give us a call today at (626) 332-5452 to request an estimate for auto repair in Covina or the surrounding area!

Hye Tech Auto Blog

Written & Published By MORBiZ