With little exception – Optimus Prime, KITT, and Pixar’s Cars crew come to mind – our vehicles do not speak the English language. But that hardly means your car isn’t trying to communicate with you.
It can be hard to discern natural car sounds from warnings. But in its own way, your vehicle is audibly trying to convey to you what’s ailing it and the steps you can take to help.
Courtesy of All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, here’s a primer on the types of sounds your vehicle could emit – and more importantly, what they might mean.
Squealing / Chirping
High-pitched squealing is more than a constant irritant to the driver – it’s often the sign of a loose or worn belt. If you hear a squealing or chirping coming from your engine, it may be your serpentine belt, which powers your alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. Make a service appointment at once, as a broken belt can lead to overheating, a loss of power steering – and a hefty repair estimate.
Also confirm that the squealing is coming from your engine and not your brakes. Manufacturers intentionally insert a small piece of metal between your brake pads, which emits a squeak to alert you your brake pads are thinning. Brake pad replacement is nothing to take lightly, but at least it’s generally cheaper than replacing a serpentine belt.
Knocking / Tapping / Pinging
No, it’s not someone trapped in your car’s hood (probably). A knocking or tapping emitting from the engine could be caused by an issue with the engine bearings. These bearings support the engine’s rotating structures – and they’re not shy about letting you know when they’re wearing down.
Alternatively, it may be an issue with low-grade fuel or worn-out spark plugs – both capable of causing damage or engine failure. To prevent this, schedule an assessment with our Service Center today.
Clunking / Rattling
A constant clunking in your engine is one of the most concerning car noises, because it’s an immediate sign that something – possibly something very vital to your safety and protection – is loose and not in its proper place.
A low rattling or rumbling may be a more concerning sign, as it typically indicates a failing catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the only option in this scenario is fully replacing the converter.
Whooshing / Hissing
Generally, these sounds are caused by a leak in the exhaust system. If allowed to spread, this leak can decrease both engine performance and fuel economy. Several factors could be the cause of the leak: holes in the muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust manifold are all plausible culprits. Thankfully, our Parts Center has everything you need to restore balance to your vehicle and have you run smoothly once more.
An elongated hissing could also stem from coolant leakage or the vehicle’s cooling system overheating. If you suspect your vehicle is overheating, pull over immediately – both for your own safety and the health of your engine.
Transmission Grinding
Sustained grinding noises are commonly the result of transmission issues and are most audible when shifting or changing gears. (Automatic transmissions cause jerking and shaking in place of a grinding noise.) Check for additional signs of faulty transmission, such as leaking fluid, a burning smell, or a loss of power. Consult with an expert or certified professional at once to avoid hefty transmission repair costs.
Touch the Sound of Silence
The most beautiful sound your vehicle can produce is no sound at all. A quiet engine means a happy engine, and at All American Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we strive to give your vehicle the silent treatment.
When concerning sounds persist, we’re your stop to trade up for a new or used vehicle. From SUVs like the Jeep Compass to the award-winning RAM 1500 truck, we’re stocked with vehicles that purr like a kitten and drive like a dream.