Having a car gives you a lot of freedom, but with a car also comes responsibility and sometimes worry. For instance, have you ever heard your engine make noises but don’t know what they mean? Here are some strange noises and what to do when you hear them.
Tapping or Clicking
You should be able to hear this noise that comes from the front of the car as soon as it starts. This is good news because it means you can fix the problem quickly. Tapping or clicking can sometimes mean the oil pressure is low or a part is worn out. You can check to see if the oil is low by looking at the gauge. If you can’t sort out the problem yourself, take it to the dealership for a professional to look at, as this isn’t a problem you want to ignore.
Hissing
If you hear hissing coming from the front of your car, chances are the engine is overheating. While this shouldn’t happen often, it might indicate the vacuum device is leaking and needs replacing. If you know what to look for, you can check the cooling system yourself to see if you can identify any leaks. If you hear hissing though, you’ll probably need to take the car to the dealership to replace or repair the vacuum device.
Knocking
If you hear knocking from the engine, it’s probably because you’ve put in the wrong type of fuel. You might have read that using higher-octane gasoline comes with extra benefits, but that isn’t always true. It’s better to follow what your car’s manual says about what fuel type to use.
Squealing
Another sound that’s easy to pick up on is squealing when you try to accelerate. The good news about squealing is you can identify the problem immediately, and it’s an easy fix. When an engine squeals it means the fan belt needs replacing. When the fan belt is loose, it moves slower than the rubber teeth underneath it and, thus, creates that loud squealing sound.
Grinding
Another common noise your engine might make is grinding, sort of like it has sand in it. The truth is, there could be sand or any kind of dirt, gunk, or even oil build up in the engine. This noise is usually most prominent when switching gears. More often than not, it just means it needs a good clean. However, sometimes it can indicate wearing in the brakes, so you should always have a technician check it out.
Car engines can make all kinds of noises, but being able to identify each one and know what the problem is will make it easier for you to remedy the situation and also keep you safer. If a car is making strange noises, it’s always best to have a qualified technician check everything over. It might only be a small fix, such as removing grease from the engine, or it could be a more serious issue.
Posted in CDJR of Walla Walla Service