Von Schledorn Auto Group Official Blog
Four Car Sounds that You Shouldn’t Ignore
By Product Expert | Posted in Service and Repair, Tips and Info on Friday, August 5th, 2016 at 9:12 pm
We’ve all been there: we’re driving down the road, minding our own business, and a sound creeps up that makes us think that something just isn’t right. Our cars often have a way of letting us know that there’s something worth checking out, and although this means that service is on the horizon, it’s still helpful to know that something is wrong. So, what car sounds let you know that there might be trouble?
Four Car Sounds You Can’t Ignore
Squealing Under the Hood
Of all that you’ll read here, this problem is likely the easiest to diagnose. When you hear loud and consistent squeaking or squealing from under the hood, it generally is due to a faulty drive belt, also known as a serpentine belt. Since it undergoes thousands upon thousands of revolutions, over time it will crack and strip, and it will make that telltale squealing noise. This is an important (and inexpensive) item to fix promptly, since the belt is also responsible for driving the air conditioning, engine cooling, and alternator function.
Squealing From the Brakes
There are multiple reasons that your brakes might squeak, but they all require that you give them a look-see. It could be that the in-brake indicator (which is specifically placed there to let you know when brakes need replacing), or that your drum brakes need lubricating, or that rust has formed on your rotors. Whatever the cause of the squealing, it needs attention.
Read More: Extending the Life of your Tires
Grinding from the Brakes
Say you hit the brakes, and suddenly you begin hearing an unmistakable grinding noise from your brake pads. This will often mean that your brake pads have been worn past their intended breaking point — pun intended — and that the brake calipers and rotors are getting a workout. It could also be something small, such as a pebble getting into your brake fittings. Whatever the case, it needs a look.
Grinding from the Tires
If you’re hearing grinding that is actually coming from the tire itself, and not from the brakes, it could be caused by a number of issues. It could come from a failing CV (constant velocity) joint, or it could be the failing of ball bearings, or it could even be a similar pebble to the one we mentioned above getting into your tire moldings. In any case, it’s important that you have it checked before larger problems arise.
Do any of these sounds seem familiar? It’s important that you don’t ignore them, and that you come see us soon at one of our EVS Auto Group locations today!
