by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: December 30, 2012   Last Updated: January 02, 2013

A little annoying noise begins in the vehicle. Do you turn up the music and hope for the best? Those odd little noises are clues to what is happening with the vehicle. It is an early warning sign if you listen carefully and catch it early. Of course, you would need to drive with no distractions often enough to know what the car should sound like. To make this a bit more clear the first five minutes of driving should have no music, no talking,  and simply paying attention to the car and gauges. If you can do this every time you get in the car, you will know when something changes.

What kind of noises are you listening for? Basically any kind of a change. Something that was not there before.

~ Grinding
When metal is grinding metal there is a problem. Two pieces of metal are grinding away and wearing when they shouldn’t be. There are a number of possibilities that could cause this grinding noise, and none of them are desirable. It could be issues with the suspension, the brakes, or the power-train, just to name a few. The bottom line with a grinding noise is that is needs to be addressed by a professional immediately.

~ High pitched squeal
This is most often an important belt, like the water pump or the alternator. It probably is not consistent, but it comes and goes. But have it checked the first time you hear it. Typically after the car is running a while is diminishes.

~ Constant squeaking
It is is high pitched and it is steady and kind of sounds like an out of tune violin, changes are that you need some new brake pads. If you delay on getting new pads, then you will need new rotors and your cost just about tripled.

~ Groaning or humming
When tires are not rotated properly they often have wear on one side and then the noise starts. It is a good idea to take a look at the entire tire and get them rotated as often as the tire manufacturer recommends. The wear could cause the steel belt in the tire to come apart.

~ Growling
A front wheel bearing will growl and then suddenly quiet down when you are turning or swerve if it is going out. The change in the growl is caused by the weight shifting from one side to another on the turn.

~ Hissing
Well, there could be a snake in the back seat. It’s unlikely, but if you hate snakes you may want to check. You may hear a hissing sound if there are hoses leaking in your cooling system. Usually hissing has to do with hoses and fans. If you are examining the outer area of the car you may hear a tire losing air.

~ Knocking from the motor
Stop and check all the fluids. Check the oil, antifreeze and all the fluids.

The whole point is that your car has a voice. You just need to learn the language.

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