It’s never fun to drive along and suddenly notice a brand-new strange sound coming from your vehicle. It might be tempting to crank the radio a little louder to cover this new pesky sound, but that could come with the cost of additional vehicle wear or damage. Instead, try to take a closer listen and determine where the sound is coming from. Here are a few common culprits of unusual car noises, and what you can do to eliminate them.
Thudding Noise from Tires
If you are noticing a repeated thudding sound as one or more of your tires rotate, there are a few tire related issues that could be the culprit. For starters, ensure each of your tires are filled up to their recommended air pressure. This could eliminate the noise altogether, but it isn’t guaranteed to do so. If the noise persists, it is likely time for a tire alignment. Don’t put this service off because doing so will only lead to a bumpy ride, faster wearing tires, and that endless *thud thud thud* sound you’ve likely already grown tired of.
Hesitant Engine Start
Have you ever started your car, only to hear the engine hesitate a bit before actually starting? You probably breathed a sigh of relief that it indeed managed to start, but you should be sure to get this issue looked. Most likely, this is being caused by a depleted battery that is struggling to start the engine. Early autumn is the perfect time to make sure your battery is brand new and ready for a reliable winter.
Engine Ticking/ Rattling
Slight engine ticking might not feel as scary as an improperly inflated tire flopping around as you drive on I-70 at 70 miles per hour, but it is still another sound you will want to diagnose as soon as possible. This is likely an indication that vital engine components are not getting adequate lubrication. Luckily, an oil change can often eliminate this noise entirely. If your engine is making louder squealing or whining sounds that worsen as revs increase, there is also a risk of a loose or worn drive belt.
Scraping While Braking
If you hear grinding after pressing your brake pedal, it’s actually a built-in method to let you know its time for a brake pad replacement. As the pads wear, they eventually reach a metal back plate which contacts the rotor and makes a grinding sound. This isn’t a major safety issue, but you’ll want to make a point to have those pads replaced in a timely manner to guarantee maximum braking performance.
Eliminate Pesky Car Noises with Churchill Auto Care
If your vehicle needs maintenance, give us a call! We offer excellent service at a fair price for all of your automotive maintenance and repair needs. To schedule an appointment, please visit our site, give us a call at (301) 620-7620 or text us at (301)-804-6035!