A sudden change in the sounds your car makes can be cause for alarm. In this post, we’re going to share some common sounds that indicate an issue with your car (and why those sounds should not be ignored!), along with some tips on how to identify what kind of problem might be causing them.
Steering Wheel Squeals When You Turn
If you hear a squealing noise coming from your car when you turn the wheel, it could indicate low fluid levels in your power steering pump. The first step should be to check to see if it’s low. Topping this up should resolve the problem, but if it doesn’t then remove some of the fluid and replace it with new motor oil (not engine oil).
Loose bolts or worn-out bushings can also cause a steering wheel to squeal when turning. Sometimes they allow too much movement within their housings which causes friction against other parts. Loose bolts can be fixed by tightening them down with an Allen wrench or other appropriate tool. If they are very loose then you will need to remove them completely to determine what is making contact inside.
Your Car Makes A Grinding Noise
If your car is making a grinding sound, it’s usually caused by a worn-out part. The most common culprits are wheel bearings, brakes and suspension components. If you hear this noise while driving at low speeds and not while braking or accelerating hard, then it could be just a loose bolt or nut which can easily be tightened. However, if the noise persists even when you’re not moving at all and happens under all conditions of road speed and load weighting, then it’s time to get your car looked at by an expert mechanic as soon as possible.
Loud Ticking From The Engine Bay
A ticking noise from the engine bay could be a sign of low engine oil so perform your dipstick check and top up the oil if that’s required. If the oil isn’t low or the ticking persists, it could be caused by something that needs immediate attention, such as faulty timing belts, water pumps, head gaskets or timing chains. In this case, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as you can to protect your vehicle and passengers.
Wheel Bearing Noise Is Coming From Your Tyres
If you hear a squeaking or grinding noise coming from your tyres, it could indicate an issue with the wheel bearings. The bearing is located in a housing on either side of the hub inside your car’s wheels and allows for rotation of each wheel. If these parts are worn out or loose, they can cause damage to both the tyre and rim (which is what makes them so expensive to replace) and make driving difficult as well as dangerous.
Don't Ignore Noises Coming From Your Car!
If you hear any of these noises, it’s important to get your car checked out right away. The longer you wait, the more expensive it can be to fix the problem. If your car can’t be moved, contact us at Mick’s Towing Service Pty Ltd., and we’ll tow you to a nearby garage where you can get your car fully checked over by a mechanic.
