Jun 14, 2021

17 Scary Noises and What they Mean

When your car starts making sound, the next step is to head to the repair shop. Multiple types of sounds, from clicking, squealing, and chirping indicate mechanical problems. Also, other things need to be considered.

Here below, we have decoded 17 frightening noises that the car makes and what does it mean.

Types of Car Noises:

  1. Clicking Noise:

This noise usually comes when the car doesn’t start, and people may start hearing a clicking sound. It is because the battery is not holding a charge.

  1. Squeaking Noise:

If you hear a high-pitched squealing from under the hood, then it means the serpentine belt is faulty. This can lead to several of the vehicle’s accessories being loose and shall be repaired before use.

  1. Gurgling Noise:

A gurgling sound occurs when the cooling system is becoming faulty. In order to save your car from misconduct, it is best to keep checking the system in time.

  1. Sloshing Sounds:

The sloshing sounds occur when there is a leak in the cooling system and head gasket. If not treated on time, it could lead the engine to overheat.

5. Hissing or Sizzling Noise:

If you hear a sizzling noise while turning your car off, then it is because of the coolant leaking onto a hot engine component. Likewise, if there is a sizzling noise, then it is due to a punctured tire.

6. Knocking Noise:

If you are somehow using low-grade gasoline, then your car starts to make a knocking noise when driving. If the quality of the gasoline you use is high-grade, then this is the indicator of other engine problems.

7. Popping Noise While Driving:

If you hear a popping noise coming from the hood, it is due to the spark plugs or the fuel filter’s clogging.

8. Tapping Noise While Driving:

This type of sound comes from beneath the hood and is an indication of the engine running out on motor oil. However, when the dipstick shows otherwise, then there might be a problem with valves.

9. Rattling Noise while Idling:

If the catalytic converter of your car is faulty, then it could lead to rattling noise.

10. Whistling Noise:

This happens when the rubber strip around the car door is causing excessive wind noise. Likewise, if the noise is coming from under the hood, it is due to a faulty vacuum hose.

11. Grinding Noise:

If the clutch is worn out, then there is a grinding noise which indicates that it requires immediate assistance.

12. Screeching or Scraping Noise:

A screeching noise occurs when the brake pad is worn and needs replacement. On the other hand, scraping noise is a sign that the brake rotors need replacement.

13. Clunking Noise:

Clunking noise is an indication of worn-out shock absorbers and an exhaust system component that is loose.

14. Humming or Whining Noise:

If wheel bearings, tires, universal joints, and power steering pumps are defective, it leads to humming or whining noise.

15. Buzzing Noise:

Buzzing noise occurs when one of the audio systems is defective.

16. Rumbling Noise:

Rumbling noise is due to an exhaust leak in the pipe or due to the whole system falling.

17. Backfiring:

If the fuel system or catalytic converter fails, then there is a backfiring sound in the car.