Any time your vehicle starts making an unfamiliar sound, it warrants investigation. Yet, there are certain noises which demand especially prompt attention. Regardless of whether you have a used car or if it’s fairly new, pay mind to the following sounds, as they usually point to a potentially serious issue.

5 Sounds That Suggest Car Problems

1. Clunking Beneath the Hood

Sometimes in used cars, the pistons or rods may malfunction. This typically results in a rhythmic sound from beneath the hood, almost as if someone is knocking against the metal. Known as “rod knock,” this issue occurs when the wrist pin wears away, causing a piston to come loose, or an engine bearing is destroyed due to oil starvation. Either issue can lead to serious engine trouble if left unaddressed.

2. Squealing When You Hit the Brakes

Squeaky brakes aren’t just a nuisance, but they’re also a safety hazard. The problem occurs when the brake’s pads or shoes are wearing too thin. If you hear a grinding sound upon stopping or decelerating, schedule brake service immediately. This means the pads are so worn that the metal backing of the pad or shoe is rubbing directly against the rotor or drum.

3. Rattling From the Wheels

Rattling from the wheels is often compared to the sound a clothes dryer makes when loose coins are floating around. You should never hear this noise from your car, however, as it indicates a loose component. The lug nuts or bolts which hold your wheel onto your car could be loose, which should be promptly addressed to avoid a serious safety issue.

4. Chirping From the Engine

After many miles, the belts of used cars will eventually wear away. This can produce a sound similar to that of a chirping bird, which will start as soon as the engine is turned on. If the noise is loudest when first starting up, accelerating, or when making a U-turn, it’s probably the serpentine belt, which drives the alternator and aids in power steering.

5. Squeaking With Acceleration

If the sound you’re experiencing is more of a squeak than a chirp, it could point to an issue with the universal joint, also known as the U-joint. These components connect the driveshaft to the differential or the driveshaft to the transmission. They support the lateral movement of the driveshaft, and when worn, will cause a loosened connection, which can cause a squeaking noise that gets louder as you accelerate.

Drivers of both newer and used cars know that vehicle trouble can happen at any point on the road. If you’re traveling through the Mountain Home, AR, area and need assistance with your vehicle, turn to Discount Towing & Recovery. Offering towing and roadside assistance such as tire changes and jumpstarts, this team offers timely, dependable service for motorists in need. Find out more about their service area online or call (870) 425-1775 to request assistance.