Common Car Noise Meanings You Need to Know

Listening to your car likely isn’t something you’ve been thinking about. However, if you have been hearing a few strange noises coming from your car, it’s highly important to check this as soon as possible. Start with running a hpi check to reveal the vehicle’s history, as this will identify any prior issues that could potentially result in unusual noises.

In line with this thought, today, we’re looking at some of the most common car noises and what they mean. Hopefully, this will help you check whether your own vehicle is safe or if you need to get some TLC for it.

Common Car Noises (And What They Might Mean)

Noticed any of the following common car noises? Being aware of the different noises your car could potentially make can allow you to make a more informed decision overall. So, don’t leave this to chance; always make sure you’re checking for these noises before driving, just to be safe.

Screeching

One of the most common noises you’ll experience while driving is screeching. If the screeching seems to come from under the hood of your car, it’s likely due to a worn serpentine belt. As such, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace the serpentine belt to keep it running in good condition. Alternatively, if you notice a screeching or squealing noise from the wheels, this may be due to worn out brake pads causing the unpleasant sound.

Rattling

If you have picked up on rattling noises from your car, this is most likely due to problems with the exhaust. Unfortunately, this can be quite a severe issue, so keeping an eye on it is vital.

Generally speaking, a rattling sound from your exhaust will usually mean that the exhaust is either out of alignment or has come loose. Getting this checked by your local mechanic is a good step, just to stay on the side of caution.

Humming

As an alternative to screeching, you may also notice a humming sound coming from underneath your car. This might be hard to pick up on at first, but it’s likely the result of parts or lubricant wearing out or running low. In line with this, checking these systems (and potentially getting professional help) may prove important.

Thudding

If you can identify a systematic thudding noise during your drives, your car’s tyre pressure may be low. This could simply be because you haven’t topped it up in a while; however, it might also indicate you’ve gotten a bad puncture.

Final Thoughts

Numerous problems could potentially leave your vehicle needing a little TLC. However, if this is the case for your car and you notice odd car noises coming from it, we strongly recommend taking some time to check whether these are normal or not. Often, they may need a little TLC from a dedicated mechanic to keep them safe on the roads.

Of course, getting your car repaired is expensive. This is even more frustrating in scenarios when you’ve only just bought the car, only to be told that it’s not running right. As such, we strongly recommend running checks before you purchase a new car to check it’s genuine. Luckily, a car check can give you the key information you’ll need to make an informed decision. So, why chance it? Always run a check first, just to be sure!