What is the Noise your Car is Making, and What Does it Mean?
Do you ever rev the engine of your car just a little bit to hear the smooth hum it makes? Or to make you feel like you’re a part of the ‘Fast and Furious’ movies. But sometimes, the sound your car makes might be a little different than what you’re used to. The type of noise can alert you as to what the problem might be – you just need to keep a close ear and listen to what your car is telling you.
Read on to learn which sounds should have you racing to a mechanic, and which are less urgent but still need to be looked at.
A ticking noise
If you hear a clicking or ticking sound from your car’s engine, which might indicate that your engine is low on oil. This can be solved by topping up your engine oil. You can do so either by yourself or go to a professional mechanic. If your engine oil level is where it should be, then the problem could be that your engine is experiencing low oil pressure or a blockage somewhere due to which the oil isn’t circulating efficiently.
Squealing when you press the brakes
If you hear a squeal or screech whenever you press the brakes, it means that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. Your brakes can squeal or screech a bit if your car’s tires are wet, but if the sound persists even when the tires are dry, you will have to take your car in to get your brake pads replaced as soon as possible, as brakes are essential for your safety.
A bang from the exhaust
If your car makes a loud bang or pop from your exhaust pipe when you start your car, that is what is known as backfire and is sometimes accompanied by a cloud of black smoke. This indicates a problem with your catalytic converter, which is a device that ensures that the emissions from your vehicle are not toxic or polluting the environment. In such cases, it’s best you take your car in to get it fixed.
Creaking or squealing when turning
Any sounds you hear when turning could be potentially dangerous. It could indicate an issue with the steering or suspension, and since they play a vital role in controlling the car, it’s best you get your car looked at immediately.
Hissing from under the hood
A hissing sound from under your hood most likely indicates a fluid leak. This means that your coolant or engine is leaking onto the hot engine, resulting in the hissing noise you hear.
If the noise continues when and after driving, it could mean that your engine is overheating. Stop driving for about 15 minutes so that it is safe in order to assess the situation. If you notice any steam coming from your engine, seek assistance immediately.
Much like how your body lets you know when you’re sick, your car will also let you know when something’s not quite right. To avoid issues becoming potentially serious, any unusual sound from your car needs to be addressed immediately. When you have the best car insurance, this is easily solved. With a network of cashless garages and additional protection which includes Engine Protect cover and roadside assistance, Chola MS ensures that you get the best insurance for your car at the best price.
With Chola MS, you don’t just get the best car insurance, but the best add-ons as well, such as roadside assistance. In such cases, where it seems unsafe to keep driving, you can contact our service provider who will provide you with the assistance you require.