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Because most people don’t know much about cars, it feels easier to ignore potential problems rather than getting them fixed. This is a mistake, however, because many of the problems will just get worse and could possibly lead to stranding you on the side of the road and costing you more money in repairs. Here are some car noises you can’t ignore.
Squealing
Typically, squealing means that your brakes are wearing down and you need to replace them. If there’s a grind or growling sound, it’s more serious because it means the brake pads have worn to the point where the metal from the brake shoes is pressing against your rotors. This could lead to damaged rotors, which is a lot more expensive to replace than brake pads. Some brakes also have a sensor that squeals even when you aren’t pressing down on your brakes to let you know it’s time for new brakes.
If the squealing is coming more from the engine, it’s probably a worn or loose belt for things like your power steering pump, alternator, or air conditioner compressor.
Scraping Noise
If you’re using your windshield wipers and you hear a scrape, it means that your wipers are wearing down. Though wipers are not too expensive and they’re easy to replace on your own, if you wait, the wipers could wear down enough to put a scratch in your windshield. Windshield replacement costs are easily over $100 but could cost hundreds depending on your car’s make and model. Plus, having poor-performing windshield wipers could be dangerous if you end up in a rain shower.
Popping or Clicking When You Turn
If you hear a sound that is similar to popping, finger-snapping, or clicking when you turn but stops when you straighten, you likely have a constant velocity joint in your front axle that needs to be replaced. This can happen in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles. It’s best if you head to your service center if you suspect that this is the problem. It’s not an easy at-home fix.
Clunking, Banging, Tapping Under the Hood
If you hear any of these coming from the engine, you’ll want to take your car into the service center immediately. It could be a serious problem relating to your connecting rods, pistons, or valves. Getting it fixed right away will prevent further damage to your car.
Howling or Whining
A howling or whining sound typically relates to your car’s bearings. It might be hard to tell which ones, though. If you have front-wheel drive and you hear it as you turn to one side and then back again, it’s possibly the front-wheel bearings. Rear-wheel bearings will gradually make a howling sound that gets louder. Whatever bearings are causing the sound, it’s best to get it looked at.
If you don’t feel comfortable figuring out what is causing the sound or how to fix it, bring it in to Service Chevrolet Cadillac! Our experts can diagnose the problem, fix it, and get you back on the road.
Image via Wikipedia Commons by richn used under CC BY 2.5
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