When you’re driving along, it’s completely normal to hear a plethora of noises and sounds from the road surface or your car, especially as your vehicle gets older - the rattling and shaking can be annoying! However, there are certain noises that aren’t normal and should be taken to a mechanic to ensure everything is in full working order. Noises coming from the engine, like whining or squealing should all be checked out, as they could mean your car is experiencing underlying issues that need to be fixed. Failure to do so could lead to catastrophic damages which means you will either need a new engine, or it’s cheaper to buy a new car. Take a look at the types of noises you should be on the lookout for in our blog.
Rumbling noises
If you hear rumbling noises particularly when you accelerate, there could be issues with the exhaust muffler - more specifically, a hole that has appeared in it. A hole in the muffler doesn’t present any danger to your car, but it does to the driver. This is because the hole allows fumes from the exhaust to diffuse into your car and after prolonged periods of inhaling these toxic gases, it could pose a serious risk to your health.
The exhaust produces gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO - which is deadly enough on its own) and nitrogen oxides (NOX). Alongside other toxic gases, this could be a health hazard to you and others on the road, should you have a medical episode because of it.
Rumbling alongside shaking in the body of the car may signal that one of the spark plugs is faulty and needs replacing. If the spark plugs aren’t working, the cylinders misfire - this can lead to a loss of power, less fuel economy, increased emissions, rough engine operation and potential damage to the engine if it’s left long enough.
Knocking sounds
Any knocking, popping or ticking noises could signify problems with the ignition. The noise will happen when the fuel ignites in the cylinder. Noises like this shouldn’t be ignored - it can lead to damaged spark plugs or even a faulty distributor cap. Leaving it could mean costly repairs in the future, so it’s best to get the car in at your local garage to see what’s going on and get the problem fixed.
Squealing or grinding noises
If you hear squealing or grinding noises when you’re driving along or braking, this could indicate worn brake pads. This means they’ll need replacing very quickly. In some extreme circumstances, the scuffing noises may be because the brake pads are so worn that metal parts are touching each other - this is a serious issue and your insurance wouldn’t cover you if you had an accident with poor brakes or because of complete brake failure. It puts you and others on the road at risk.
Another reason for these noises is due to the brake callipers coming loose because of inappropriate mounting. If this is the case, you need to contact your car’s mechanic and see if they can be repaired or replaced immediately. As your brakes are the most important component on your car, it’s imperative that they are looked after so that there are no accidents.
Whirring noises
There are a number of reasons for whirring noises including a faulty converter, unlubricated components or worn universal joints. The engine of a vehicle is made up of some very complex machinery that all works together to ensure the car runs smoothly. If your car is used very often, these components become old and worn, which could eventually cause issues. Belts, for example, can develop cracks which will create noise when in use.
Of course, the best thing to do in this situation is to contact your mechanic to get the components replaced or repaired. Parts such as the timing belt should be considered a serious matter - if this snaps, it could end up destroying your engine, so it’s best to get it checked out to prevent catastrophic failure.
Chirping or hissing noises
These noises tend to come from the vehicle’s engine and it could show that the serpentine or timing belt needs looking at. In some cases, the belts may just need a little bit of readjustment to ensure smooth operation or they may need to be replaced altogether. When you take your car for a service or MOT, you will usually be forewarned that your timing belt needs replacing - this is usually when the car reaches between 40,000 and 100,000 miles or when the car reaches a certain age, but the exact timing will depend on who manufactured the car.
It’s important that if you are offered a change, you take the opportunity. The snapping of a timing belt can cause serious damage to the engine and you’ll need to either pay the cost of a new engine or a new car.
Hissing sounds coming from the engine could signify overheating or the exhaust pipe may be blocked. This happens when a leak in the car’s vacuum or some fluid leaks and solidifies in the hot parts of the engine. Leaking coolant can also cause this issue. There are many different reasons for these types of noises, so it’s much better to take your car to the garage and have a professional look it over to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Book your service or MOT with Swansway today
It is imperative that your car is always in full working order to ensure your safety on the road, as well as others that are sharing the road with you. Booking a yearly service or MOT can help keep your car in the best condition, safe and increase its value - why not take a look at our service plans and cut the cost? Book with Swansway today and our knowledgeable team will look after your car and make sure its in good condition and legal. If you’re looking for a new or used car instead, take a look at the range we have available today - a newer car will less likely have any faults or need for repairs. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.
