Auto breakdowns tend to occur at the most inconvenient times—often while you're on the way to an important meeting or preparing for a long-planned road trip. However, while some of these problems do pop up unexpectedly, your car will often give subtle signs that it needs auto repairs days or weeks before it fails. The guide below looks at some sounds your vehicle might make to indicate strain so you can address issues proactively. 

What Sounds Indicate Your Car Needs Auto Repair?

1. Squealing, Grinding, or Scraping

If your car makes substantial noise when you brake to a stop, have your system serviced. Squealing means the brake pads have worn down to reveal a metal tab that produces a high-pitched whine as it presses against the brake rotor.

Grinding suggests the pad material has deteriorated enough that bare metal is scraping against the brake disc. In some cases, the disc will need to be replaced; otherwise, the car will not be safe to drive.

2. Hissing

Hissing can point to different problems depending on where the sound comes from. If it is emanating from the engine, it may indicate a loose hose or gasket or an overheated radiator.

If you see steam pouring from the engine compartment, shut off the engine, allow the motor to cool, and drive slowly to a service station while monitoring the temperature gauge to make sure it doesn't enter the red zone. Turn on the heater to extract excess heat from beneath the hood.

A hissing tire could indicate it is losing pressure. A flat could leave you stranded, so head directly to the nearest auto repair shop to have the leak patched or replace the tire.

3. Whirring or Howling

A loud whir or howl under the hood that increases in pitch when you depress the gas pedal could indicate a bad alternator bearing. This is particularly likely if your dashboard battery light illuminates simultaneously. It means your alternator is faulty, the battery isn't charging correctly, and your car could stall and fail to start.

A howling sound from a wheel that becomes higher and louder with vehicle speed probably indicates a faulty wheel bearing. This causes the wheel to experience more friction as its spins, wasting car fuel in the process. The attached tire will also wear out quickly and unevenly. Perhaps of most concern, the wheel could seize up and cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Have it looked at as soon as possible.

For reliable auto repair or car towing, contact Steve's Automotive & Towing Specialists in Lake Havasu City, AZ. They are the only AAA®-approved repair shop in the area and have served Mohave County for more than 35 years. They offer 24/7 towing service and roadside recovery, including assisting with vehicle lockouts. Learn more about the company on their website. Call (928) 855-1099 to schedule auto repair.