Since always, many times the failure of our car starts from ‘signs’ that we can always discover in time in order to take action. Some measures that point out to us in a good place what we can have and how it is important to do so that they do not go further. Among several, the problems that come from unusual noises stand out.
Unusual noises warn us of the fault
When we drive we must focus all our attention on the road, but without neglecting other factors such as the weather or the conditions of the asphalt, since any unforeseen event must be controlled at all times by the user.
However, there is one factor that the driver cannot control: what happens under the car’s bodywork. For this reason, car breakdown warning lights are born, which are usually preceded by some noises that normally do not appear when things are going well.
For this reason, and so that you know which and what fault your car has, it is important that you also know how to recognize what type of damage your vehicle has when it makes a louder or more constant noise than you are used to.
How to know how to identify them
Thus, the best way to find out where strange noises in the car come from is to recreate the situation in which they occur and reduce other sounds as much as possible. For example, turn off the music and drive on a road with no traffic so you can investigate the causes of the noise.
It can also be useful to have someone with experience accompany you, as they will be able to identify noises that you may miss in your daily driving, while also being able to focus on the noise that has triggered the alarms since you are not driving.
unstable noises
Unusual sounds during starting, driving or resuming driving are also an alarm signal. This is where an unstable engine sound usually appears.
If this happens, and it shows ups and downs, even if they are very slight, it is advisable to change the air filter and replace the fuel filter since this way you will rule out that the problem comes from an obstruction. On the other hand, if the noises are punctual, in principle you should not worry as it would be normal, especially if it is a cold diesel engine.
Whistling when accelerating
In this case, and if your car has a turbocharger , it is possible that the fault is accompanied by a soft hissing noise when accelerating. This is an indication that it is working.
However, if the sound is too noticeable, it could mean that there is an air leak coming from a crack in a hose or that there is a loose clamp, so power would be lost when the pressure decreases.
Cold engine noises
Thus, tuning the ear can be very useful to prevent breakdowns that will worsen, perhaps causing damage that would be avoided with a visit to the workshop at the right time, before the disaster occurs.
One of them is marked by what are cold noises, as they are known. We are referring to the sounds coming from the top of the engine, from the cylinder head, when cold and when the lubrication is not yet ideal, as they can warn of a poor timing adjustment, generally of the valves .
Knocks when changing gear
This, without a doubt, is not a good thing, quite the opposite. Because knocking or jerking when changing gears is usually due to a faulty gearbox bearing. Check it and solve it as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
If instead of making noise while driving, the box makes noises in neutral , the fault may be due to a low level of transmission fluid, although it may also indicate that it is time to change it for new fluid.
It can also be due to, if when reverse gear is engaged the gearbox creaks or gives the sensation of scratching, making a very characteristic noise, the fault will be found in the sprockets, which will have worn excessively from use.
Noise when turning the steering wheel or braking
If you hear a rattling noise when turning the steering wheel, stop and turn the wheels from right to left while stopped. This way you can check if there is a grease leak . If the driveshaft sleeve is cracked, it is likely that grease has leaked out and the driveshaft seal has dried out, causing the chatter. In this case, the bellows must be replaced.
On the other hand, if there is a buzzing noise when driving and turning, you have to block it and check if the wheel bearing is broken. On those, it may be the case that you hear a screeching noise when steering, and there are several possible causes: it could be a loose or worn V-belt (solution: tighten or replace). If the screeching noise becomes louder when the steering wheel is turned, the power steering pump may be low on oil. In this case, check the oil level in the servo reservoir and, if necessary, check the system for leaks.