If your car is starting to make strange noises you've never heard before, it's time for a car service. If you listen carefully, each type of noise can indicate what the possible problem could be.
Some typical noises will let you know that a car repair is in your future:
- Whistling or hissing – this could be due to a broken or missing vacuum hose if it is heard when the engine is running or at idle. This not only causes your engine to shake and idle poorly, it can also cause higher fuel consumption and decreased performance.
- High pitch squealing – accompanied by a sharp, jerky motion when turning the steering wheel at low speed can be an indication that the power-steering is loose or worn, the power steering belt needs to be tightened or replaced, or that the power steering fluid level is low and needs to be topped off. If the squealing sound is heard after starting the engine, other belts such as the alternator, air conditioner compressor, or water pump could be loose. Schedule a car service to see if a replacement or adjustment is needed.
- Tapping, clicking, or clatter -- if your engine has not been started in a while, a light tapping or clicking sound may be heard for a few minutes. This is usually because the oil has not had sufficient time to lubricate the engine. The sound is caused by valve lifters that need to refill with engine oil upon starting. If the problem persists more than a few seconds, a filter and oil change may be necessary.
- Pinging or rattling – sounding like marbles rattling in a can, usually when the engine is revved up at a higher than idle speed, can be caused by abnormal combustion called "detonation" or "spark knock". To prevent key engine parts overheating leading to more serious engine damage, don't put off taking your vehicle in for a car service.
- Roaring - typically emitted from a leak either in the muffler or exhaust pipes attached to the exhaust system. It will become louder as the accelerator is depressed and the engine accelerates. The exhaust leak allows poisonous carbon monoxide gas to escape into the atmosphere, and in the worst case, into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle running clean and your passengers safe with a timely car repair.
It will be more than worth the effort to have an inspection and diagnosis run at a car service center if any of these symptoms sound familiar to you. It's true that some minor problems can wait, but others will only get bigger if you procrastinate having that needed car maintenance & repair. Save money by taking care of the minor problems before they get bigger.
Need questions answered about strange noises? Our car repair specialists will be glad to help you. Need a professional brake repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 for more information about our brake service. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
If your car is starting to make strange noises you've never heard before, it's time for a car service. If you listen carefully, each type of noise can indicate what the possible problem could be.
Some typical noises will let you know that a car repair is in your future:
- Whistling or hissing – this could be due to a broken or missing vacuum hose if it is heard when the engine is running or at idle. This not only causes your engine to shake and idle poorly, it can also cause higher fuel consumption and decreased performance.
- High pitch squealing – accompanied by a sharp, jerky motion when turning the steering wheel at low speed can be an indication that the power-steering is loose or worn, the power steering belt needs to be tightened or replaced, or that the power steering fluid level is low and needs to be topped off. If the squealing sound is heard after starting the engine, other belts such as the alternator, air conditioner compressor, or water pump could be loose. Schedule a car service to see if a replacement or adjustment is needed.
- Tapping, clicking, or clatter -- if your engine has not been started in a while, a light tapping or clicking sound may be heard for a few minutes. This is usually because the oil has not had sufficient time to lubricate the engine. The sound is caused by valve lifters that need to refill with engine oil upon starting. If the problem persists more than a few seconds, a filter and oil change may be necessary.
- Pinging or rattling – sounding like marbles rattling in a can, usually when the engine is revved up at a higher than idle speed, can be caused by abnormal combustion called "detonation" or "spark knock". To prevent key engine parts overheating leading to more serious engine damage, don't put off taking your vehicle in for a car service.
- Roaring - typically emitted from a leak either in the muffler or exhaust pipes attached to the exhaust system. It will become louder as the accelerator is depressed and the engine accelerates. The exhaust leak allows poisonous carbon monoxide gas to escape into the atmosphere, and in the worst case, into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle running clean and your passengers safe with a timely car repair.
It will be more than worth the effort to have an inspection and diagnosis run at a car service center if any of these symptoms sound familiar to you. It's true that some minor problems can wait, but others will only get bigger if you procrastinate having that needed car maintenance & repair. Save money by taking care of the minor problems before they get bigger.
Need questions answered about strange noises? Our car repair specialists will be glad to help you. Need a professional brake repair? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 for more information about our brake service. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
