What's That Sound? A Guide to Your Car's Warning Noises

Cars are complex machines, and they have their own way of telling us when something is wrong. While we might be tempted to just turn up the music and hope a strange new noise goes away, listening to your vehicle is one of the best ways to catch small problems before they become major, expensive repairs.

Here are five of the most common—and most important—car noises you should never ignore.

1. High-Pitched Squealing When You Brake

The Sound: A sharp, metallic squeal or screech that occurs when you apply the brakes.
What It Likely Means: This is the classic sign of worn-out brake pads. Most pads are designed with a small metal tab called a "wear indicator." When the pad material wears down, this tab makes contact with the rotor, creating that unmistakable squeal. It's your car's built-in alert system telling you it's time for a brake service.
The Risk: If you ignore the squeal, it will eventually turn into a harsh, grinding noise. This means you've worn completely through the pads and are now forcing metal against metal. This not only severely compromises your stopping power but also damages the brake rotors, turning a routine maintenance job into a much more costly repair.

2. Rhythmic Ticking or Clicking from the Engine

The Sound: A steady, metallic "tick-tick-tick" that gets faster as you accelerate and your engine's RPMs increase.
What It Likely Means: The most common cause is a low level of engine oil. The ticking sound comes from the "valvetrain" at the top of your engine not getting enough lubrication. It could also indicate a more serious internal engine issue.
The Risk: Driving with low oil can lead to catastrophic engine damage. If you hear this sound, pull over safely and check your oil level immediately. If the level is fine, the problem lies elsewhere and requires immediate professional diagnosis to prevent a potential engine failure.

3. A Loud Squeal from Under the Hood on Startup

The Sound: A sharp, loud squeal coming from the engine bay, especially when you first start the car on a cold or damp morning. It may go away after the engine warms up.
What It Likely Means: This is typically caused by a loose or worn serpentine belt (or accessory belt). This single belt powers crucial components like your alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. When it gets old and glazed, or the tensioner that holds it tight weakens, it slips on the pulleys and squeals.
The Risk: A slipping belt isn't just annoying; it's a sign of impending failure. If the serpentine belt breaks while you're driving, you will instantly lose power steering, your battery will stop charging, and your engine could quickly overheat.

4. Clunking or Knocking When Driving Over Bumps

The Sound: A dull "clunk" or a series of knocks from a corner of your car when you go over a pothole, speed bump, or uneven pavement.
What It Likely Means: This sound points to a problem with your car's suspension system. The culprit is usually a worn-out or damaged component like a strut, shock absorber, ball joint, or sway bar link. These parts are responsible for a smooth ride and stable handling.
The Risk: Worn suspension parts can lead to poor vehicle control, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers. It also causes accelerated and uneven tire wear. A complete failure of a component like a ball joint could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

5. A Humming, Whining, or Growling Noise That Changes with Speed

The Sound: A deep hum or growl that starts at a certain speed and gets louder and higher-pitched as you drive faster. It does not change when the engine revs, only with vehicle speed. You may also feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel.
What It Likely Means: The most common cause of this noise is a bad wheel bearing. A wheel bearing is a critical part that allows your wheel to spin freely and smoothly.
The Risk: A failing wheel bearing is a serious safety issue. As it wears out, it can cause the wheel to wobble or, in a worst-case scenario, seize up or detach from the vehicle while you are driving.

Your Car Is Talking—Are You Listening?

If you hear any of these sounds, your car is sending you a clear message. Don't wait for the issue to escalate. Schedule a diagnostic appointment with our expert technicians. We have the tools and experience to pinpoint the source of the noise and recommend the right repair to keep you safe on the road.