While you may enjoy driving your car, you probably don’t enjoy odd noises coming from under the hood. Before you think you need professional transmission repair Lynnwood, learn these common car noises and what they mean.
Rattling or Chugging
You could owe the rattling or chugging you hear to your car’s exhaust system. Chugging usually indicates an exhaust system blockage. Rattling may mean your system’s misaligned. If you hear hissing, take your car to the mechanic; you could have a cracked exhaust system.
Screeching
Worn or loose serpentine belts make screeching noises that come from underneath your car hood. Because this belt powers several car parts, such as the air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, you’re better off taking your vehicle in for an inspection.
Low Humming
A few different issues may cause humming underneath your vehicle. To help your mechanic identify the issue, remember when you first noticed the sound. You could have a differential that needs lubrication, a failing transmission or worn-out wheel bearings or universal joints. A thorough inspection narrows the possibilities.
Thudding
If you hear thudding coming from your tires, you could need to inflate them. Your owner’s manual tells you how much pressure your tires need. Refer to it, so you don’t overinflate your tires.
Other than low pressure, another reason your tires may thud is improper alignment. If that’s the issue, take quick action to resolve the issue. Misaligned tires harm your gas mileage and may affect your handling.
Grinding or Squealing
Brake pads squeal and grind when worn down. Specifically, it’s the calipers rubbing against the rotors causing the sound you hear. No matter if you hear noises when you pump or tap the brakes, have a mechanic look at your brakes as quickly as possible.
Do not ignore odd car noises. Even if the sound’s nothing, it’s better to be safe than stuck with a massive avoidable car repair bill.
