Like any piece of machinery, cars make noise. While many common sounds – from ignition startups to quiet engine hums – are normal, others are worrisome. Knowing how to differentiate between normal and concerning sounds will help you decide when it’s time to visit an auto shop for car repair. Here are some common sounds and their meanings. 

Top Car Sounds That Indicate Problems

1. Whirring

Many times, whirring will originate under the hood and will get louder as you accelerate. This often means that the transmission filter is clogged, making it difficult for the pump to draw fluid. This could also be a sign that the radiator fan is damaged and vibrating. If you notice the sound upon starting the car and whenever you turn the wheel, the power steering fluid could be low. If you check your fluid levels and find that they’re adequate, and the sound doesn’t stop once the vehicle has warmed up, the power steering pump might be failing. 

2. Clunking

A clunking sound could be coming from a few different places, but it almost always traces back to a suspension issue. If one of these components has failed, your ride will become increasingly uncomfortable and hard to handle. Many times, the issue is due to bad ball joints, the sway bar link, or tie rods. Schedule car repair immediately upon noticing this sound, as your safety and that of other drivers will be compromised until the problem is fixed.

3. Hissing

Your car relies on multiple hoses to function efficiently. They’re used for transporting coolant, air, hydraulic fluid, and fuel. When a hose gets older, it becomes brittle and will start to crack. If it develops a leak or a hose connector fails, you’ll hear a high-pressure hissing as air, fluid, and steam is released. If a vacuum hose in the fuel mixing system is damaged or an intake manifold leak occurs, you’ll probably also notice the engine struggling to accelerate. Inspect hoses during your annual car repair to avoid being caught off guard by their demise.

Don’t put off investigating a strange car sound. Bring your vehicle to Branford Radiator Repair Service in Branford, CT, for car repair immediately. This locally owned auto shop offers same-day service and has an extensive auto parts inventory. This allows them to diagnose your problem and repair it quickly, so you’ll soon get safely back on the road. Their team of auto mechanics has three decades of experience performing everything from brake changes to radiator repair. Call them today at (203) 488-7346 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their services.