Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

No matter how well you maintain your car or how few miles are on it, you will eventually find yourself hearing a strange sound as you drive down the road. Just like strange smells, strange sounds coming from differing parts of a vehicle should never be ignored. If you're hearing one of these odd sounds coming from your car, it may be time to look at it.

Squeaky Brakes

Sometimes, fixing squealing or squeaky brakes is a simple matter of having the parts lubricated. The brakes of any vehicle wear down over time, and a new sound coming from your brakes is a strong indicator that it's time to have the car serviced. Brake pads and rotors wear down over time as they grind against one another, and ignoring this problem can put you in a dangerous situation. Having brakes and rotors checked regularly is a crucial way to manage the safety of your vehicle.

Engine Rattling

An engine rattle can be jarring when it first starts. Rattling under the hood can be indicative of several issues. Usually, a rattling or clattering noise coming from your engine is caused by an engine misfire or premature ignition. Several underlying problems can cause premature ignition, including overheating, problems with your fuel octane, or improper timing.

Engine Clicking

The most common cause of a clicking sound in your engine is low oil levels. It's easy to forget or put off an oil change, but leaving your oil too long can cause severe car problems. The longer you go between oil changes, the more likely the vehicle is to burn oil, leading to low engine oil levels and the clicking sound. Regular oil changes may seem simple and unimportant, but low engine oil can cause many problems down the line.

Knocking Under the Hood

If your engine is making a loud knocking sound, it's essential to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. Knocking under the hood is caused by problems with critically important parts of the engine, including pistons or valves. Unlike some other minor issues, this one shouldn't be left to wait.

Engine Squealing

Worn-down belts typically cause a squeal in your engine. While a worn belt isn't something that requires immediate attention, it is important to have the car look at a reasonable time frame. Like any worn down part, replacing it now is better than dealing with catastrophe later.

If your vehicle is making any of these strange sounds or any other sounds that you aren't used to hearing, have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible. You can drop by our Acura dealership or contact us at any time to set up an appointment.