My car is making a weird noise. Should I be worried?

We have all done it.

Your car starts making a noise it definitely was not making yesterday, so you naturally turn up the radio and hope for the best.

Problem solved! Except, probably not.

Cars make all sorts of noises and not every squeak, rattle or hum means an expensive repair is coming . But a new or changing noise is usually worth paying attention to, because catching a small problem early on can sometimes stop it becoming a much bigger (and expensive) one.

So, what might your car be trying to tell you ?

Squealing when you break

A high pitched squeal when breaking, can be a sign that your break pads are getting worn. Some break pads are actually designed to make noise when they are nearing the end of their life, giving you a heads up before things get worse.

If that squeal becomes grinding, do not ignore it. Grinding can mean the pads are severely worn and metal components may be contacting each other.

Our advice: Get your brakes checked sooner rather than later.

Clicking when you turn

Hearing a repetitive click-click-click when turning, particularly at low speeds or on full steering lock ?

One possible culprit is a worn CV joint.

CV joints help transfer power to your wheels while allowing them to turn and move with the suspension. Once they start wearing, that clicking noise can become increasingly noticeable.

It is worth getting it inspected before it progresses further.

Knocking or clunking over bumps

If every speed hump or pothole comes with its own little clunk, something in your suspension might need your attention.

It could be worn bushes, sway bar links, shock absorbers or another suspension component.

Apart from it being annoying, worn suspension components can affect the way your car handles, brakes and maintains contact with the road.

Make sure to have this one checked out asap.

Humming or droning that gets louder with speed

Notice a humming or droning sound that increases as you accelerate?

It could potentially be related to your tyres or wheel bearings.

Wheel bearing noise can become progressively louder as the bearing wears, while uneven tyre wear can create surprisingly similar sounds.

A workshop inspection can help pinpoint where it actually comes from.

Squealing from under the bonnet

If the squealing is not happening when you brake but seems to be coming from the engine bay, a belt , tensioner or pulley could be involved.

You might notice it more when starting the car, accelerating or using accessories such as the air conditioning.

This is another one, that is better investigated than ignored.

Rattling from underneath the car

A metallic rattle underneath the car can sometimes be something relatively simple, such as a loose heat shield or exhaust component.

But because there are several things underneath your car capable of rattling, it is difficult to diagnose accurately without actually getting underneath and having a look.

And no, kicking the exhaust, to see if the rattling stops, does not count as a diagnostic procedure.

Grinding

Grinding is one of those noises we rather you do not ignore.

It can come from brakes, bearings, transmission components or other moving parts and generally indicates something is not operating the way it should.

If your car suddenly develops a significant grinding noise, particularly if it is accompanied by changes in braking, steering or driving behaviour, get it checked.

When should you stop driving?

A strange noise does not mean automatically you need to pull over immediately.

But if the noise is sudden, severe or getting rapidly worse or is accompanied by things like :

• Warning lights

• Smoke or a burning smell

• Loss of power

• Steering problems

• Poor or unusual braking

• Overheating

• Heavy vibration

it is safer to stop driving and have the vehicle assessed

The bottom line

You know best, what your car normally sounds like.

If something suddenly starts making a noise, there is usually a reason.

Sometimes it is a quick and inexpensive fix. Other times, catching the problem early can save you from a considerably larger repair bill later.

And while turning up the radio is an excellent temporary solution for your ears, unfortunately it does not fix your car.

Something does not sound right ?

Bring it into Garage 27 and let us have a look.

We will diagnose where the noise is coming from, explain what we have found and let you know what actually needs attention , without making things more complicated than they need to be.