They say a car is like a child when it needs something, it will make noise. Car noises can range from normal to horrible and it’s up to the driver to determine which noises need your immediate attention. Unfortunately, many drivers, especially new ones, have no idea what different car noises mean. This could cause unnecessary panic or worse, further damage to your car. It is, therefore, important to be acquainted with different car noises. Here are some car noises you should never ignore.

Noise When Shifting Gears

Any noise when shifting gears is a clear indication that something isn’t right. It could be a problem with the clutch, torque converter or transmission fluid. Failure to address the issue immediately could lead to further damage to the gearbox which can be quite costly. It’s important to bring your car to a specialist who will identify and fix the problem.

Hissing Under The Hood

This can mostly be heard when you turn off your car after a drive. It means that some fluid is leaking onto the heated part of the engine. Of course, fluid leakage is always a sign of trouble. If you have an oil leak, it can be both wasteful and dangerous to drive your car in this state. Additionally, your engine could be overheating causing the water to boil over. These issues should be fixed immediately you notice them.

Squeaking When Braking

Brakes are an essential safety feature in motor vehicles. Therefore, even the slightest indication that something might be off is crucial. One of the most common faulty brake noise is squeaking when braking. This is caused when moisture collects on the brake rotors which causes a thin layer of rust to form on the rotor surface. Depending on the level of damage, it could require some lubrication or getting new brake pads. However, you can’t put a price on your safety.

Knocking Under The Bonnet

Engine knock is one of the most common car noises that should never be ignored. It occurs when fuel burns unevenly in your engine’s cylinders as a result of faulty spark plugs or excess carbon buildup. This can result in a decrease in performance and can also lead to lower fuel mileage or overheating. It’s recommended that you check your engine for carbon buildup after every 100 hours of use to avoid poor fuel combustion.

Squealing When Accelerating

This high pitched sound is an indication that your fan belt is loose due to wear and tear. It’s very noticeable as soon as you start accelerating and should receive immediate attention. Driving with a loose or worn fan belt could lead to further damage to the engine causing your car to breakdown. The good news is, if the damage isn’t too much, all that is required is to tighten the fan belt. However, if it’s worn, you’ll need to replace it.