Cars make plenty of completely normal sounds – the gentle hum of the engine, the whirr of the fan, or the click of the indicators. But now and then, you’ll hear something that makes you pause and think, “That can’t be good.” Here’s 10 car noises you shouldn’t ignore.
Whether it’s a squeal, a rattle, or a grinding noise, unusual sounds are your car’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. Ignoring them can turn a small problem into a big (and expensive) one. Here are 10 car noises you should never ignore, what they might mean, and what you should do about them.
Squealing from the brakes
A high-pitched squeal when you press the brake pedal usually means your brake pads are wearing thin. Most pads have a built-in metal wear indicator that squeals when it’s time for a replacement. If you hear this often, it’s worth booking your car in for a brake inspection before they wear down completely. Video credit: Hong Zhang.
Grinding when braking
If the squeal turns into a grinding sound, that’s your brake pads completely worn down, and the metal backing plate is rubbing directly against the disc. At this stage, you’re not only losing braking performance but also damaging the rotors. This repair can get expensive fast, so don’t delay. Video credit: A1 Auto Repair.
Knocking or clunking when turning
A rhythmic knocking or clunking noise when you turn the wheel could point to a worn CV joint, especially in front-wheel-drive cars. It’s a common issue that tends to get worse over time. If left unchecked, it could lead to complete joint failure and a loss of drive to the wheel. Video credit: Justin Miller.
Rattling from underneath the car
A metallic rattling sound under the car could be a loose heat shield, a damaged exhaust mount, or even a loose catalytic converter shield. It’s not always serious, but it’s worth getting under the car (safely) or asking a mechanic to take a look to make sure nothing important is hanging loose. Video credit: ifixed6494.
Hissing from the engine bay
A hissing sound from the front of the car usually means air or fluid is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t. It could be a leaking vacuum hose, a cracked coolant pipe, or even a failing radiator cap. Either way, open the bonnet carefully once the engine cools down and check for visible leaks or steam. Video credit: LionHeart2123.
Ticking or tapping from the engine
A ticking sound that rises with engine speed could indicate low oil levels or a problem with the valve train. Sometimes it’s as simple as needing an oil top-up, but if it continues after checking the oil, it’s time for a mechanic to investigate further. Video credit: Daveseen.
Squealing under the bonnet
If you hear a squealing or chirping noise from the engine bay, especially when starting the car or using the air conditioning, it’s often caused by a worn or loose serpentine belt. Over time, these belts stretch, crack, and lose tension, which can affect your alternator, power steering, or water pump. Video credit: tehCrunks.
Grinding or whining from the gearbox
Manual drivers might hear a grinding sound when changing gears – usually a sign of worn clutch components or a failing synchronizer. Automatic gearboxes, on the other hand, can produce a whining noise if the transmission fluid is low or contaminated. In both cases, get it checked quickly to avoid costly damage. Video credit: CaliOutback2020.
Rumbling or humming from the tyres
A low, rhythmic hum that increases with speed could be worn wheel bearings or uneven tyre wear. Try rotating the tyres to see if the noise changes direction. If it doesn’t, it’s likely a bearing issue that needs professional attention. Video credit: Awan Garage.
Loud banging or popping from the exhaust
A backfire or loud pop from the exhaust usually points to unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust system. It could be due to a faulty spark plug, air leak, or an issue with the fuel mixture. While it might sound dramatic, it’s often a sign of a minor fault that needs sorting before it causes damage downstream. Video Credit: Erikisoutdoors
Why you shouldn’t ignore car noises
Strange noises are your car’s way of warning you before something more serious breaks. Acting early can save you hundreds in repairs and keep your car safe and efficient. Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, learning to recognise these sounds can make a big difference in diagnosing issues before they get out of hand. If you want to check out our handy top tips for car maintenance article, it covers many preventive measures to keep your car in tip-top condition!
Final thoughts
That concludes our 10 car noises you shouldn’t ignore article. Cars rarely go from “fine” to “broken” without giving you a few clues first, and sound is one of the biggest indicators. If you hear anything that feels out of the ordinary, record it or compare it to examples online before visiting a trusted mechanic.
