Car Noises That Signal You Need Service (and What They Mean)

1. Squealing or Screeching When Braking

Likely cause:

• Worn brake pads (most common)

• Glazed rotors

• Sticking brake caliper

Service needed:

• Brake inspection

• Replace brake pads

• Machine or replace rotors

• Service/caliper lubrication

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2. Grinding While Braking

Likely cause:

• Brake pads fully worn down

• Metal-on-metal contact

Service needed:

• Immediate brake pad + rotor replacement

• Possible caliper replacement if damaged

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3. Humming or Growling From the Wheels (Changes With Speed)

Likely cause:

• Worn wheel bearing

• Cupped tires

• Failing CV joint

Service needed:

• Wheel bearing replacement

• Tire rotation or replacement

• Suspension/CV joint inspection

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4. Clicking When Turning

Likely cause:

• Failed CV axle/CV joint

Service needed:

• Replace CV axle

• Inspect boots and suspension

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5. Knocking or Clunking Over Bumps

Likely cause:

• Worn control arm bushings

• Bad sway bar links

• Loose struts or shocks

• Ball joint wear

Service needed:

• Suspension inspection

• Replace bushings, links, ball joints, or struts

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6. Rattling Under the Car

Likely cause:

• Heat shield loose

• Exhaust components rusted or hanging

• Loose catalytic converter shield

• Loose underbody panel

Service needed:

• Tighten or re-secure heat shields

• Exhaust repair or welding

• Replace damaged brackets

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7. Whining Noise in the Engine Bay

Likely cause:

• Worn belt (serpentine or accessory belt)

• Failing alternator

• Power-steering pump issues

Service needed:

• Belt replacement

• Drive pulley inspection

• Diagnose alternator or P/S pump

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8. Loud Roaring or “Sports Car” Sound Suddenly

Likely cause:

• Exhaust leak

• Hole in muffler

• Broken exhaust flange or flex pipe

Service needed:

• Exhaust repair or replacement

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9. Ticking From the Engine

Likely cause:

• Low engine oil

• Valve train noise

• Faulty lifter

• Exhaust manifold leak

Service needed:

• Check engine oil immediately

• Top-up or oil change

• Engine diagnostic if noise persists

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10. Hissing Under the Hood

Likely cause:

• Vacuum line leak

• Cooling system leak

• Overheating or pressure buildup

Service needed:

• Cooling system/hoses inspection

• Thermostat/radiator check

• Vacuum hose replacement

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11. Thumping or Rhythmic Slapping

Likely cause:

• Flat spot on tire

• Broken belt inside the tire

• Loose tire/wheel lug nuts (dangerous!)

Service needed:

• Tire replacement

• Wheel torque check

• Alignment if uneven wear present

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12. High-Pitched Squeal on Cold Start

Likely cause:

• Loose or worn serpentine belt

• Failing belt tensioner

Service needed:

• Replace belt

• Inspect/replace tensioner

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13. Grinding When Starting the Engine

Likely cause:

• Bad starter motor

• Starter gear not engaging properly

Service needed:

• Starter replacement

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14. Deep Knocking From Engine (Worst Case)

Likely cause:

• Engine bearing failure

• Low or no oil

• Serious internal engine damage

Service needed:

• Stop driving immediately

• Full engine diagnostic

• Possible engine rebuild or replacement

If you hear noises that seem out of place in your vehicle, please don't ignore them. Not paying attention may end up costing you more if you let parts fail. Contact us to book a service appointment today and make sure that click, bang, hiss, wrrrrr, isn't something more serious!

Dale and the Dale Adams Team.

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