When your car starts to make a funny noise, you can probably ignore it for a while before it starts to drive you insane. Eventually, though, you can’t turn up the radio any louder and you start to wonder whether you will actually make it to your destination. That’s when you really want to ask yourself what that strange noise says about the way your car works (or doesn’t work).
Long Squeal at Stops
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Do people stare at you when you approach a stop sign? Perhaps it’s that long squeal coming from your brakes. That sound could mean several things. Some of the most common problems that cause squealing brakes include the following:
- Worn brake pads or brake shoes
- Dirt on your brakes pads, shoes, drums, or rotors
- Pads that have become overheated and then formed a glaze when they cooled
- Brake pads that are making contact with the rotor
- Disc brake calipers that are not properly aligned
Moaning Under the Hood
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A couple of problems could cause “something” under the hood to moan when you make a turn. More than likely, your car has low steering fluid. You can often fix this problem quickly by pouring a bit more power steering fluid into the appropriate reservoir. It could, however, mean that you have a leak in the power steering fluid reservoir or some other part of the steering system. If you have a leak, then you might need to take it to a mechanic you trust to identify the problem and find a solution.
You shouldn’t find it difficult to get a power steering problem solved inexpensively. Unfortunately, this moaning (some people describe it as a whining sound) could also come from your cam shaft drive belt. If you hear this sound when driving straight as well as turning, take your car to a mechanic immediately. This problem will likely cost a little more money to fix. If you need to find some extra room in your budget, then:
- Visit 21st.com to learn about low-priced insurance policies
- Change your driving habits to consume less fuel
- Consider whether it makes more sense to buy a new car than pay for repairs
Tick, Tick, Tick!
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A ticking sound under the hood could indicate a variety of problems, such as:
- Stuck engine valves (you might need an oil change)
- Collapsed engine valve lifters
- Warped valves
- Engine sludge that prevents your oil from circulating well
Your car is trying to tell you something with those noises. If you hear any of the above complaints coming from your car, you may be able to use this list to identify the source of the problem. Getting these problems resolved early will give you peace of mind and save you more trouble down the road.
