Auto

Noisy Car

The car seems to be driving okay but suddenly you hear this SCREECH! There it goes again - A high pitched squeal you can't ignore and it makes you nervous. The car experts say to have the problem checked out by your mechanic, but here are some helpful hints that may give you some idea about what's wrong before you get to the mechanic.

A Pinging Noise

If it sounds like tiny marbles are rolling around in your engine when you accelerate or climb a hill, your engine is probably getting old or dirty (or both). Try switching to a premium gas with a higher octane rating. If this doesn't work, then have your mechanic take a look.

A Squeal

More than likely this is a loose fan belt which needs to be replaced, or at the very least, adjusted. If it is constant, get to the car shop asap because your car could stall, become hard to steer or overheat. If the squeal is infrequent, you may have a little time to get the matter looked into, but don't wait too long.

What Is This Loud Knocking?

It's bad news! If it sounds like someone is hammering - it is almost always a sign that there is severe internal wear or serious mechanical damage. It probably means big bucks! Stop driving now! The longer this goes on - the more damage is being done! The engine could seize and you may loose control of the vehicle.

A High Pitched Squeal While Breaking

Some brakes squeal naturally, especially during light braking. It may be annoying, but nothing much to worry about. You or your mechanic can apply goop to help quiet them down, but this is no guarantee.

A High Pitched Squeal While Driving

If the breaks squeal while you drive, but are quiet when you depress the pedal, it could be a sign of serious trouble in your break system. Schedule break service as soon as possible!

Metallic Grinding Sound

You have put off a break job for too long! This is a serious situation. You are in for a hefty repair bill, but get to a garage immediately befor your breaks fail.

A Rythmic Thumping Sound

If the frequency of the noise rises and falls with the speed you are traveling it may be torn rubber (a weak area in the tires construction) or a flat spot (a worn area that makes the tire no longer perfectly round). In either case you have a potentially hazardous problem. Have this problem checked out immediately by you mechanic. You may need an alignment or new tires.

A Loud Roaring Or Popping Sound

If this sound is rythmic and rises in intensity as you rev your engine, or your car suddenly sounds like a Harley Davidson, you may have a hole or a leak in the muffler or exhaust system. Although it is annoying (and illegal), it won't hurt your car. It's probably a good idea to get it fixed as soon as possible.

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