Is That Noise Normal? 8 Car Sounds You Shouldn’t Turn the Radio Up to Ignore
We’ve all done it.
The car makes a noise.
You turn the radio down.
Nothing.
Radio back up.
There it is again.
You turn the radio down.
Silence.
Apparently your car is now playing psychological games.
A new sound doesn’t automatically mean something catastrophic is happening, but cars generally don’t develop squeals, rattles, knocks and clunks because they’ve decided the commute needs a soundtrack.
Here are eight sounds worth paying attention to.
1. Squealing When You Brake
A squeal during braking can have several causes, including brake-pad wear.
The important thing is not to diagnose it by sound alone.
Priority Automotive provides brake-system inspections and services including pad replacement, rotor resurfacing and brake-fluid maintenance.
If braking feels different as well as sounding different, arrange an inspection promptly.
2. Grinding When You Brake
Grinding deserves more urgency.
If metal braking components are making contact because friction material has worn excessively, continuing to drive can increase damage and compromise braking performance.
If you hear grinding while braking, have the vehicle inspected rather than seeing how many more trips it can survive.
Your radio cannot repair brake pads.
We checked.
3. Clunking Over Bumps
Clunk.
Speed bump.
Clunk.
Driveway.
Clunk.
That sound can potentially come from worn or loose suspension or steering components.
Priority’s suspension services cover shocks, struts, springs, ball joints and control arms, as well as wheel alignment and balancing.
If the noise is accompanied by poor handling, uneven tyre wear or instability, an inspection becomes even more important.
4. Clicking When You Turn
Repeated clicking while turning can potentially indicate an issue within drivetrain, steering or related components, depending on the vehicle and circumstances.
The useful information for your mechanic is when it happens.
Only while turning?
Only under acceleration?
Only at full steering lock?
From one side?
The more accurately you can describe when the noise occurs, the easier it can be to reproduce and investigate.
5. Squealing From Under the Bonnet
A squeal from the engine bay may involve a belt, pulley or another rotating component.
Don’t put your hands into an operating engine bay to investigate.
If a new squeal appears, particularly alongside warning lights or changes in vehicle behaviour, have it checked professionally.
Priority’s mechanical repairs cover engine, transmission, suspension, steering, electrical and braking systems.
6. Rattling Underneath the Car
A rattle beneath the vehicle can potentially originate from exhaust components, heat shields or other underbody parts.
Sometimes it is most noticeable:
- at idle
- during acceleration
- over rough roads
- at a particular engine speed.
Again, those details help.
Priority’s major servicing includes exhaust-system inspection, while its mechanical repair service covers broader fault diagnosis and repairs.
7. Hissing After Driving
Hissing can have several possible sources.
If it’s accompanied by an elevated temperature gauge, visible coolant, steam or an overheating warning, safely stop the vehicle and seek assistance.
Never remove the radiator cap from a hot, pressurised cooling system.
Priority includes cooling-system maintenance within its comprehensive servicing offering.
8. Knocking or Tapping From the Engine
A new knocking or tapping sound from the engine shouldn’t be diagnosed from an article on the internet.
There are numerous possible causes, ranging considerably in seriousness.
If the noise is new, persistent or getting worse, arrange an inspection.
Priority’s Campsie workshop provides engine diagnostics and repairs as part of its mechanical-repair services.
Don’t Become Too Good at Ignoring It
Humans are remarkably adaptable.
A noise that was deeply concerning on Monday can somehow become:
“That’s just the little clunk it does”
by Friday.
But changes in how your car sounds, feels, steers, brakes or performs are useful information.
If something has changed, there is usually a reason.
Finding out why while the vehicle is still driving normally can be much preferable to finding out beside the road.
Mechanic in Campsie for Drivers From Surrounding Suburbs
Priority Automotive’s workshop at Shop 2/13 Harp Street, Campsie provides diagnostics, servicing and mechanical repairs for all makes and models.
Priority specifically identifies Burwood, Strathfield, Canterbury, Ashfield and Earlwood as surrounding areas convenient to its Campsie workshop.
So if you’re searching for a mechanic in Campsie, mechanic near Strathfield, car repairs near Burwood, mechanic near Ashfield or automotive repairs around Canterbury and surrounding Inner South-West Sydney suburbs, the Campsie workshop provides a broad range of mechanical services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my car making a squealing noise when braking?
Squealing can have several causes, including brake wear. A brake inspection can determine the actual condition of the pads, rotors and other components.
Why do my brakes make a grinding sound?
Grinding during braking can indicate significant wear or another braking-system problem and should be inspected promptly.
Why does my car clunk over bumps?
Clunking can potentially originate from suspension or steering components. Priority Automotive provides suspension inspections and repairs in Campsie.
Why does my car click when turning?
There are several possible causes. Note when and where the clicking occurs and have the vehicle inspected rather than replacing components based on sound alone.
Where can I find a mechanic in Campsie for strange car noises?
Priority Automotive provides diagnostics and mechanical repairs at Shop 2/13 Harp Street, Campsie.
Is Priority Automotive near Strathfield?
Yes. Priority’s Campsie workshop identifies Strathfield among the surrounding areas it services.
Can Priority Automotive repair suspension problems?
Yes. Its suspension services include inspections and work involving shocks, struts, springs, ball joints and control arms.
Does Priority Automotive provide brake repairs near Burwood?
Priority provides brake repairs from its Campsie workshop and identifies Burwood as one of the nearby areas it services.
Can a diagnostic scan identify a strange noise?
A diagnostic scan can reveal electronic faults and vehicle data, but physical inspection and testing may also be needed to determine the source of a mechanical noise.
Should I keep driving if my car suddenly starts making a loud noise?
It depends on the noise and how the vehicle is behaving. If braking, steering, engine temperature or vehicle control is affected, stop safely and seek professional assistance.