Interpreting What Your Car Is Saying
If you've ridden in a new car lately, you probably noticed that the car makes almost no sound at all. When new, all of the parts fit snug together making for a quiet ride. As a car ages, things loosen up and it starts making noise. Learn the language of your car and you'll be able to tell a lot about what is wrong and what may need attention (at a company like Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center Inc) soon.
Squealing from the Engine Compartment
Car engines use one or more rubber belts to connect different moving parts of the engine. Over time, these belts wear and can slip on the pulleys around which they move. Sometimes a belt will make noise if it gets wet, such as when driving in the rain or after washing your car. In that case, the noise often stops after a few minutes of driving. If a noisy belt doesn't stop, take the car in for a belt replacement. If you wait, the belt may break and leave you stranded on the road without a working car.
Vibration Sound When Turning the Steering Wheel
If you make a hard left or right turn and you hear a low-pitched vibration, the power steering pump may need attention. You may also feel the vibration through the steering wheel. The pump itself could be going bad or the power steering fluid level might be low. You can get the fluid from an auto parts store and they may show you how to check the level and fill it up. If the level is fine and the problem continues to get worse, you may need to have the pump replaced.
Clunking Noise When Turning
If you make a sharp turn and hear a metallic clunk from one of the front wheels, you may have a worn ball joint. The ball joint lets the wheels spin and move in different directions so you can turn the car. When the ball joint gets worn, it can move around in the wheel, causing the sound when you turn hard in one direction or the other. This needs to be looked at by a shop that does auto repair services. If ignored, the joint can fail completely and you won't be able to drive the car until it's fixed.
Rattle from the Wheels When Going Over Bumps
If you hit a speed bump or pothole and hear rattling from any of the four wheels, it could be worn suspension. What keeps your ride smooth, even on bumpy roads, are the shocks and springs on each wheel. The rubber connectors that attached these items to the wheels can become dry and cracked so they no longer cushion the ride. Shocks can leak and become ineffective and springs can lose their tension or break. If your ride seems rougher than usual, take the car in to have the suspension inspected.
Clunk from the Bottom of the Car When Going Over Bumps
If you hear a loud clunk on the bottom of the car periodically, it's likely a broken exhaust pipe bracket. These brackets hold the exhaust pipe against the car from the engine back to the tailpipe. You may be able to get a replacement bracket from the auto parts store and fix it yourself. If it is a welded bracket, you'll need to take the car to a muffler specialist for repair.
As your car gets older, it may talk too you louder and more often as it complains about its aches and pains. Listen to your car and learn what it's saying so you can keep it running in good shape.
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