Taking your car or truck in for regular auto repairs is integral to your vehicle’s health, but catching problems sooner than your scheduled check-up can help you avoid costlier service bills later on. This is just one of the many reasons why you should be able to recognize unusual sounds that your vehicle is making. Below, learn how to identify some of these noises early, so you can get the service you need to keep your vehicle on the road.

4 Noises That Indicate a Need for Auto Repairs

1. Popping & Knocking Sounds

If you hear these noises coming from your engine, you should consult an auto maintenance specialist as soon as possible. While a popping or knocking sound can result from low fluid levels, it can also indicate something more serious. For instance, a knocking sound is often the first sign that your rod bearings are about to give out. Getting the vehicle checked out will ensure you won’t experience a serious malfunction on the highway.

2. Squealing

The time at which you hear the squealing sound can help you pinpoint the problem. If you hear squealing or chirping as you near a stoplight or an intersection, the sound can most likely indicate a problem with your brakes. When the brake pad is worn unevenly, the vehicle will make this sound as you try to slow the vehicle. A squealing sound when you accelerate may suggest a misaligned engine belt or a faulty water pump.

3. Whining 

If you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission and it whines when you accelerate, this may be a sign that your transmission is failing. Often, worn transmission gears, or low transmission fluid, will produce a whining sound. Sometimes, the whining sound may be replaced by a hard knocking sensation as the problem worsens. This type of noise can also indicate a bad water pump, an air conditioning problem, or a power steering issue, so you should have the vehicle inspected by a qualified auto repair specialist as soon as possible.

4. Grinding

There are many reasons you might experience grinding as you drive your vehicle. If you feel grinding as you stop your vehicle, this is probably a sign that your brake pads are completely worn down. If the grinding is coming from your engine, your alternator or drive belt may be starting to fail. The grinding sound is produced by metal rubbing against metal, which is not something that should occur anywhere in your vehicle. At the very least, this sound suggests a gasket or other non-metal component has degraded.

Any unusual noise that’s produced by your vehicle should be investigated by an auto repair professional. Dee's Auto Care Specialists has locations in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona, MN, to ensure you’re never far from help. Established in 1936, their auto maintenance staff can service older models and newer, state-of-the-art vehicles. To learn more about the services they offer, visit their website. To schedule a service, call them at (608) 782-2530.