Sounds Your Car Makes When It Needs Repairs

Cars just aren’t built the way they used to be, and we mean that in a good way! They are reliable, packed with safety features, and dependable. So what do you do when your car starts making a new noise? Do you take it to the mechanic immediately, or do you wait and see if the noise gets worse? Sometimes we recognize the sound right away and know the level of concern we need to have. Do you know what these sounds mean?Loading broken car on a tow truck on a roadside

 

Squealing or screeching when you brake

Solution: New brake pads, rotor resurfacing or replacement.

 

This is a tell-tale sign that you need your brakes worked on. These sounds could mean that your brake hardware is worn. This prevents the pads from releasing properly, resulting in excessive heat and noise. Some automobile manufacturers build in brake wear indication system which make a sound so you know it is time for your pads to be replaced.

 

Humming, roaring, or growling when driving

Solution: New tires or wheel bearings

 

Tires can really make all the difference when driving. When they become damaged due to use you’ll notice that your car may make some strange noises. However, these sounds can also indicate an issue with the wheel bearings. One way to determine which problem you are facing is to drive at a consistent speed and change lanes. If you notice a change in the pitch as you’re turning the wheel, but then it returns to the first pitch, you’re likely dealing with a bad bearing.

 

Clickity-Clack sounds in your front-wheel drive car

Solution: Replace CV Joints

 

If your front-wheel drive car sounds like a train driving down the tracks, there is a good chance that your CV (or constant velocity) joints are going bad. These joints are located at the ends of the drive axels and are extremely hardworking parts. The inner CV joints connect the drive shafts to the transmission, and the outer CV joints connect the drive shafts to the wheels. If you are hearing this sound from the back of your car, this indicates a different problem entirely and may point to your universal joint being bad.

 

Ultimately, if your vehicle is making any new, unusual sounds, you should get it to the shop as soon as you can. Handling these types of problems before they have a chance to progress is the best way to prevent costly expenses. Schedule your appointment at your favorite AAMCO Minnesota location today and get your car back to normal in no time!

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