Part of owning a car is knowing when to bring it to a professional (such as ourselves!). Some of the potential warning signs come in the form of a sound, such as engine noise. While sometimes odd noises from the engine may indicate something minor, they can also indicate a severe problem.
If you notice any of the following engine noises, have one of our trained mechanics inspect your car right away.
Knocking/pinging sound
If your car engine makes a knocking or pinging noise, which gets worse when you speed up, the engine parts deep inside have more likely worn out. It could also be an ignition problem caused due to a damaged spark plug or an old air filter.
Squealing
Squealing noise occurs especially when you apply the brakes. More often, the reason for this noise is the build-up of dirt on the brake rotors, drums, pads or shoes. However, you need to get it checked immediately because the noise also sometimes occurs because of improperly mounted brake callipers or worn brake pads.
Tapping/clicking sound
If you hear a sound that resembles a tapping, ticking or clicking, it may be that your car is low on oil. This is easy enough to verify by checking the oil levels. If the oil levels are too low, you can address the problem in the short term by adding more oil. However, this should only be a short-term solution and should be used to keep your engine from becoming damaged whilst your drive to your nearest garage.
Low oil levels can have many causes and can sometimes be serious and should be addressed immediately.
Hissing
A hissing noise can signify any number of problems, all of which need to be checked out by a mechanic. It can signify that your engine is too hot, or that your vacuum is leaking. It can also mean that your catalytic converter is plugged, or that fluid is leaking out onto hot parts of your engine. When it burns from the heat, it produces a hissing sound. One example is that your engine is leaking coolant.
Grinding
If you hear your engine grind when you start your vehicle, then you need to get the starter motor checked. It might just need adjusting. Occasionally, the starter motor may need replacing.
A bigger problem exists if you hear grinding when shifting gears. This major warning sign signals problems with your transmission. If you drive a manual transmission, it likely needs replacing.
If you are experiencing any sound from your car that is listed above, feel free to contact us. If you are experiencing any sound that we have not listed above, we will still be happy to help you.
