Five Car Sounds You Shouldn’t Be Ignoring

With few exceptions – think Optimus Prime, Christine, or the characters in Pixar’s Cars – our vehicles don’t speak the English language. However, that doesn’t mean your car has no means of communicating with you.

Differentiating between natural car noises and potential warnings can be challenging, but one thing you can never do is ignore them. In its unique way, your vehicle is attempting to express what’s troubling it and the actions you can take to help.

At Steven Kia, we’re constantly on the alert for abnormal engine noises. Here’s an introductory guide on the various sounds your vehicle might make – and crucially, what they could signify.

Squealing / Chirping

High-frequency squeals are more than a continual irritation for the driver – they’re often a signal of a slack or fatigued belt. If you suspect the squeaking or chirping is coming from your engine, it could be your serpentine belt, which powers your alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. Schedule a service appointment with our experts without delay, as a broken belt can lead to overheating, loss of power steering – and a substantial estimate.

But before you do, confirm that the squeaking isn’t coming from your brakes. Manufacturers intentionally insert a tiny fragment of metal in your brake pads, which emits a loud squeal to inform you that your brake pads are wearing thin. Monitoring the health of your brakes pads is crucial, but replacing them is much more common (and less costly) than substituting your serpentine belt.

Knocking / Tapping / Pinging

No, it’s not someone trapped in your car’s hood (hopefully). A hammering or ticking sound from the engine could be due to an issue with the engine bearings. These bearings prop up the engine’s spinning structures – and they’re not shy to warn you when they’re deteriorating.

Alternatively, it might be a situation related to poor fuel quality or aged spark plugs – both capable of causing harm or engine failure. To protect against this, engage with our Service Center today.

Clunking / Rattling

Hearing something clunking around your engine is one of the most immediately disconcerting car sounds. It’s an indication that something – perhaps something vital to your security and protection – is detached or misplaced. If you’ve popped your hood and are unsure about what looks out of place, get a professional pair of eyes on it.

A low rattling or rumbling may be a more concerning signal, as it typically indicates a failing catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the only solution in this situation is to entirely replace the converter. That’s why routine maintenance is paramount to the sustained wellbeing of your car.

Whooshing / Hissing

Usually, these noises are caused by a leak in the exhaust system. If neglected, this leak can reduce both engine performance and fuel economy. Several factors could explain the leak: breaches in the muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust manifold are all possible culprits.

An extended hissing could also be due to coolant leakage or the vehicle’s cooling system overheating. If you sense your vehicle is overheating, stop and pull over instantly – for both your personal safety and the health of your engine.

Transmission Grinding

Persistent grinding sounds often stem from transmission issues and are most observable when shifting or altering gears. (Automatic transmissions produce juddering and shuddering instead of a grinding noise.) Watch for other symptoms of a faulty transmission, like leaking fluid, a smoky odor, or a power deficit. Consult with a seasoned or certified specialist without delay to avert steep transmission repair costs.

Experience the Sound of Tranquility

The most welcome sound your vehicle can make is no sound at all. A quiet engine indicates a happy engine, and at Steven Kia, we’ll happily subject your vehicle to the silent treatment. Entrust your car to our brilliant team of professional technicians for battery assessment, oil changes, and any other service you require.

When troubling sounds persist, remember we’re Rocktown’s premier location to upgrade to a new or certified pre-owned Kia. From the Sportage to the all-electric EV9, we’re stocked with vehicles that purr like a kitten and drive like a cloud.