What's That Noise?

There's nothing worse than driving along and hearing a funny noise coming from your car. Of course the easiest thing to do is to ignore the sound and turn the radio up. However, this is not going to help in the long run, and there's every chance that if you can figure out why your car is making that noise then you can save yourself a more expensive problem a few weeks later. You can also reduce your chances of breaking down - and worst case scenario - the noise could be an indication of a serious problem that could be dangerous if not put right.
Although most sounds indicate something that will need to be checked out by a mechanic, we've put together a quick guide to identify the most common sounds you are likely to hear along with an idea of what the problem might and what course of action you should take.
Backfiring (Sounds Like a Gunshot)
Most likely problem: Usually down to incorrect ignition timing, a faulty ignition or leaky valves.Action: Get your ignition and valves checked out by a professional.
Engine Clattering
Most likely problem: You may have run out, or be about to run out of engine oil. This can also be down to valves - if they are worn or badly adjusted.Action: Put oil in your car. If this doesn't stop the clattering, get a professional opinion.
Hissing Coming From The Engine
Most likely problem: Leak from somewhere - usually a hose.Action: Refer to a mechanic.
Whining From Engine
Most likely problem: Camshaft drive belt may be incorrectly tensioned.Action: See a mechanic immediately.
Knocking Sound From Engine Which Gets Faster as You Drive
Most likely problem: Can be down to a worn camshaft or cam followers.Action: See a mechanic as soon as possible.
Car Roars When I'm Speeding up
Most likely problem: This would indicate that the exhaust on the car has 'blown'.Action: Get the exhaust checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
Car Screeches When Speeding up
Most likely problem: Fan belt may be slipping.Action: Check the belt is fitted correctly. Replace if needed.
Screeching When Turning/Steering
Most likely problem: This can be a result of the power steering belt slipping.Action: Check and adjust belt if necessary.
Squealing When Braking - (The Car, Not You)
Most likely problem: Usually worn brake components such as brake pads/discs that need replacing.Action: See a mechanic. These can be easy and relatively inexpensive to fix.
Engine Moans When Steering
Most likely problem: This is a common sound that occurs when power steering fluid is too low.Action: Top up power steering fluid.
Wheel Clicking
Most likely problem: Can be a loose hubcap, a stone or foreign body stuck in the hubcap or tyre tread.Action: Tighten hubcap, remove object.
Car clinics have been set up to allow drivers to be able to diagnose the fault by listening to a choice of audio files that go alongside a brief description. If it matches the sound your car is making, you can read on to find out what the probable fault is, other symptoms to look out for, tips for performing a temporary fix for the problem, a description of the permanent cure and of course, how to avoid the problem reoccurring in the future.
Re: Parking Near Private Driveway: What is the Law?
I live on a dead end street and I am one house down from the dead end. At this dead end there is a…
Re: Automatic or Manual Cars: Which is Safer?
Recently my husband had the exact experience that Nobby was describing! He was reversing my car out of the Car…
Re: Is There a Minimum Speed On the Motorway?
I was recently on the 284 bus going eastbound on the a48 from ealing upon thames and was appauled by the number…
Re: Is this a Legal Road Marking?
I think that someone has painted their own H bar outside their properties (2 houses I think). It looks too thin, it's not like…
Re: How Close Can you Legally Park Next to Another Car?
My nebour parking in such a way that i can not park or remove my car from my parking zone.please…
Re: Is this a Legal Road Marking?
Hi do l need planning permission to have the H bar painted on the road at the end of my driveway as deterrent to stop drivers…
Re: Parking Near Private Driveway: What is the Law?
how can I stop people keep packing across my drive. and knowing I have a white line across my drive
Re: Is this a Legal Road Marking?
I’ve just bought a house, my neighbour has a H line painted out side his small drive way. The H line goes across my front gate…
Re: Parking Near Private Driveway: What is the Law?
I have had a h bar put in front of my drive as people regulary parked over it , my neighbours since I…
Re: Parking Near Private Driveway: What is the Law?
We have a drop curb drive we have where we can park outside our front and a garage my neighbour gets cars…