Do you know why we use dashboard warning lights to communicate maintenance issues to the owner? Probably because the other language cars were using to alert us clearly weren’t doing a great job at alerting us.
That is the language of anguish. If your car suffers, it’ll let you know with a very unpleasant sound. A high-pitched screeching? A low, expensive-sounding humming? It can still be hard to pinpoint where the issue is located or what the problem even is.
These are just some noises to keep an ear out for the next time you’re behind the wheel.
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Screeching Noises Under The Hood
A worn-out serpentine belt is likely your culprit if you’re hearing this unpleasant sound bite underneath your car’s hood.
As part of the engine’s function, the serpentine belt helps operate the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, compressor, and radiator fan. Unfortunately, without the proper equipment or experience, there’s very little you can do.
Your best bet is to consult a mechanic professional. Do this before the serpentine belt wears out entirely because you won’t be hearing anymore screeching; the car cannot run without it.
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Scraping From The Windshield Wipers
It’s recommended that you change your car’s windshield wipers once every six months. Unfortunately, these wipers aren’t cheap, and they aren’t as easy to put on as one may say. So, chances are that you will use these things until they’re worn down to the nub.
However, in doing so, chances are that you’ll hear scraping sounds coming from your old wipers. This indicates that they are wearing out and require replacement. Ignoring this problem will only scratch your windshield, making it difficult to see and expensive to fix.
A worn-out wiper also won’t be as efficient in wiping away rain or snow, making you a danger on the road. Don’t cause an accident, just replace your wipers.
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A Subtle Clanking
It can be hard to pinpoint where this noise is coming from, but if you listen closely, you’ll find that it’s coming from one of your tires. It kind of sounds like a loose change in the dryer, doesn’t it?
This is likely because a loose lug nut found its way inside one of the hub caps. While this may not seem like a dire situation to be in, this means one of your wheels wasn’t tightened properly. The last thing you need is a tire flying off when you’re travelling full speed down the highway.
Don’t procrastinate if you can fix the problem yourself or simply go to your regular mechanic.
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A Low Howl When Braking
Brakes are probably the loudest culprit on this list. It’s mainly because it’s the most persistent sound you’ll encounter on your drives. Seriously, you won’t realize how often you use the brakes until this sounds rears its ugly pitch.
You’re hearing this unpleasant noise because it’s usually a sign that your bearings, tiny metal balls that help parts rotate smoothly, are wearing out. But you need to determine which ones they are, but this is relatively simple to deduce.
If your car has front-wheel drive and the sound constantly changes as you turn left and right, it’s commonly the front wheel bearings. A steady, growling howl can indicate that it’s the rear-wheel bearings.
Regardless, it’s best to bring it into your local garage ASAP before the problem becomes a bit too expensive.
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Banging Under The Hood Could Mean Disaster
Think of the engine as your car’s heart. If the engine fails, your car’s only next stop is the junkyard.
Suppose you start to hear some alarmingly loud banging or clunking underneath your vehicle’s hood. In that case, your engine’s in trouble. This indicates a severe problem with the valves, connecting rods and/or pistons.
Continuing to drive under these conditions could prove fatal to your engine, which will either cost you an arm and a leg to replace or buy a new vehicle. Don’t wait to get a checkup if you hear anything remotely close to bang or clank under your hood.
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You Don’t Need Strong Ears With Autoly
Granted, it never hurts to have the ability to identify your car’s body language, but there’s always a more straightforward solution. With the new Autoly app, you have an arsenal of resources available on your phone, including a dashboard warning light scanner and full auto glossary. Available soon for download on the App Store, Play Store and AppGallery.
