Once upon a time, someone in the car with more sensitive nostrils perhaps, might chip in with the worrying phrase, ‘I can smell petrol’. You don’t hear it so much these days as our modern vehicles are generally very well made to tight tolerances, but some older drivers might remember hearing this but remain determined to plough onwards with a fixed, grim expression. More likely these days though is the equally worrying phrase, “What’s that noise”?
The Unusual Noise
More seriously, cars, we know, will normally make certain noises; the sound of tyres on the road, the change in engine revolutions as the gears shift and so on. Anything else may imply that all is not well under the bonnet. Now, a car that is properly serviced and maintained by a professional car servicing garage should for the most part be thoroughly reliable, but just occasionally things can go wrong.
Has your car started making unusual noises? The crucial thing is to not be like the driver above and press on, because a small issue can become a big costly problem very quickly. So don’t ignore the warning signs: rattling, knocking, squealing and the like. Getting the car checked at the roadside or by a qualified technician as soon as possible will eliminate that low-level nagging worry. Stress at the wheel isn’t good.
The Mystery Rattle
This could be an indicator of a very low oil level (by which time the dashboard oil warning lamp should have illuminated and stayed on). Other possible reasons for a rattle or a ticking sound could be a loose or worn timing belt. Cars with chain belts should be fine for the life of the car, although they are not immune to issues, but rubber belts will definitely need to be replaced in line with the manufacturers schedule. This is a job for a properly equipped and modern servicing garage.
The Engine Is Making a ‘Knocking’ Noise
There could be several reasons for this that a local garage diagnostic check will help discover. A metallic noise that changes in pitch as speed increases could indicate one or more faults with internal connecting rods or bearings for example, or worn, valve-damaging piston rings (which can damage the valves). Low oil levels will only make this worse more quickly, so check oil levels every week to be sure. It’s best to change the oil and filter at every major service too.
No, It’s Not A Snake
Not in the UK at least (we hope), but if there’s an audible hissing noise, this could suggest a leak in the coolant system, particularly the connecting hoses or vacuum lines. In general coolant hoses are made of strong, flexible rubber that has to withstand very high temperatures so over time they can deteriorate. Often this is hard to spot on a visual search so it is vital to have the system examined by a trained mechanic. The climate control or air conditioning could also make a similar noise owing to leaking refrigerant. To counter this potential nuisance, get the air-con system checked and re-gassed every couple of years to get the maximum benefit.
What If It’s Not Under The Bonnet?
Small problems with cars can occur throughout all the componentry. Damaged or worn wheel bearings, front or back, can make whining or howling noises especially when turning or accelerating. On some vehicles universal joints can make a sort of popping sound indicating heavy wear; time to get them replaced. A knocking noise, possibly accompanied by a steering wheel wobble, could indicate an unbalanced or loose wheel. Even loose, rattling trim can set off alarm bells.
A Good Look Round
It pays to give the car a once over every week without fail followed by a test drive where the object of the exercise is to specifically listen out for unexpected sounds. It doesn’t take long to check all fluids, fittings and connections; inspect the wheels and tyres and look for leaks underneath. A car that is correctly maintained and serviced according to the book should deliver a long and trouble free driving life. It does however pay to be sure.
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