Sounds are normal phenomenon in automobiles and every driver should know how his/her car sounds when it’s running properly regardless of the car make or model. Whenever unusual or strange sounds start coming from the car, it’s a signal that something is wrong and attention is needed, even if the noise is intermittent. There are different kinds of unusual car sounds denoting different kinds of issues from less serious to more serious ones, but most of these strange sounds help to communicate faults that can’t be monitored by the electronic systems. Here, we’ll try to highlight 12 of the most common car noises that every driver should be concerned with.


Whirring Sound
A whirring sound that increases or decreases with engine rpm is mostly caused by low power steering fluid, faulty power steering pump, faulty water pump, bad AC compressor or bad alternator bearings. The first thing to check when you hear this sound is to check the power steering fluid level, if it’s ok, check if the pump is working optimally by looking directly inside the power steering fluid while someone turns the steering wheel. The fluid should erupt if the pump is working well and the steering wheel shouldn’t be hard to turn.


Loud Bang
A worn out muffler or exhaust and a broken exhaust manifold will cause a loud bang from the front or rear of the car. A faulty catalytic converter or a rich fuel mixture could also cause such loud bang from the exhaust. Non-functioning catalyst or rich fuel mixture would always illuminate the check engine light on the dashboard so it’s advisable to have a technician check the exhaust system.


Popping Sound
Most often caused by clogged/wet fuel filter especially if the engine also hesitates or backfires as you accelerate. Other reasons could be dirty spark plugs, worn ignition wires, faulty catalyst, or ignition issues. Try checking the air filter, spark plugs and ignition wires to see if they are in good condition, if they are, have a technician check the engine compression.


Squealing Noise
A squealing noise from the engine side normally indicates a loose, worn or slipping serpentine belt. It could also indicate a misaligned water pump pulley. If the noise is coming from the wheel, it can be caused by dust in the drums, bad brake linings or distorted brake shoes. It shouldn’t be misjudged with a faulty wheel bearing or axle bearing noise because a wheel/axle bearing noise changes with speed and also intermittent with varying speeds. A faulty wheel bearing can be checked by lifting the car with a jack from the front side and then jiggling the tyre by holding it top – bottom. If it is faulty, a clearance will be felt as you jiggle it. Replacement by a competent mechanic is the only solution to any of the above mentioned parts.


Knocking Sound
Engine knock is mostly a result of clogged fuel injectors, bad fuel filter, distributor cap, timing chain or spark plugs causing ignition problems. If the knocking sound increases with rpm, it could be indicating a more serious issue like a non-pumping valve lifter or a maladjusted valve clearance. Whatever the case may be, only a competent mechanic can resolve the issue.


Ticking, Clicking or Tapping Noise
Ticking or tapping sound from the engine means the engine oil level is low or the oil pressure is below normal probably due to bad oil pump, low crankcase oil level or low grade oil/filter used. The noise could also come from collapsed hydraulic valve lifters or misadjusted valves in the valve train. Try checking the oil level first when you hear this sound, if it’s ok, try changing the oil and filter. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then the engine should be inspected by a qualified mechanic.


Hissing Sound
Usually caused by overheating engine due to leaking coolant from the cooling system. It could also result from a leaking vacuum line, burst exhaust or bad catalytic converter. Check the cooling system and under the engine for any coolant leakage and visit a competent technician to resolve this issue.





Clunking Sound
Loose or worn out stabilizer linkage, worn control (lower/upper) arm bushings or bad ball joints can cause serious clunking sounds especially when you bump over pot holes.


Screeching (Metal to Metal) Noise
When the brake pads get worn out, they come in contact with the brake discs (rotors) thereby producing a screeching noise when the brake is applied. When the screeching turns to scraping sound, it means the brake pad metal is now rubbing against the bare brake disc metal. Changing the brake pads is the easy solution.


Howling Noise
Most rear wheel drive vehicles with rear differential (axle) will make a howling sound when the differential is low in oil or if the pinion gears are not meshing properly. The noise will change as the speed increases unlike the howling sound from a bad wheel bearing which will not change with slight increase in speed. A wheel bearing howling noise will also change as you turn right or left. A bad differential bearing or gear set is not really something that you can repair yourself. This requires that the differential either be rebuilt or replaced by competent mechanic.


Grinding Sound
A grinding sound when you turn on the ignition means the kick starter is bad. When the gears that connect the starter to the flywheel/flexplate get worn out. The sound could also come from the flywheel/flexplate when the teeth gets worn down so that the starter gear doesn’t engage properly and grind against the flywheel.


Flapping Noise
When an object interferes with the rolling of the cooling fan, a flapping noise would be heard. It could also result from a disintegrating belt. These problems can almost always be solved easily and are usually not cause for concern, but certain impediments can damage fan blades if left unattended.


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