Car noise? 5 examples to pay attention to

A car’s noise says a lot more about its interior than you might think. Between years and kilometers, you have to be careful and watch out for breakdowns: some are capable of destroying even the latest vehicles!

The most recent ones are, among other things, increasingly complex. Mechanics made up of thousands of parts, modern transmission systems and precise, yet extremely delicate gears.

It is not always easy to predict when a car will develop a certain problem, but expert mechanics are able to make an initial analysis based on the car’s noises. And even your ear, already trained by everyday life, can be a valid help and save you from repairs and headaches!

Five car noises to watch out for

Identifying car noises early can save you a repair. It is true that some of them are simply the result of a poorly closed door, a loose part or a flat tire. But others should raise the alarm, watch out for something more important that could get worse.

These are five car noises you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Car noises with low gear engaged

Have you ever noticed that your car makes noise when you drive in low gear? It could be a major failure. If this noise occurs while shifting, the problem is probably with the gears. The gap may be too large. Or the noise is due to wear of the bearings in the transmission system.

On the other hand, if you hear noises coming from the car when the gear lever is in neutral, the fault could be due to a low level of transmission fluid or even the need to change it.

Do you notice that the gearbox makes a “scratching” noise when you put it in reverse? If this is the case, you need to be careful: the fault could be due to worn sprockets. Keep this in mind! Replacing a complete gearbox involves a non-economic investment.

If you want to avoid this cost, we strongly recommend using an emergency service. With the Car insurance Calmhas at your disposal conference officeswhere you can go to have your car repaired. Our trusted professionals will carry out an exhaustive assessment to analyze the problem and resolve the fault before it gets worse.

AND The workshops bring a series of benefits to our customers, such as the courtesy vehicle (subject to specific conditions) delivered to the workshop itself, towing, washing, vacuuming, checking of lights and oil and water levels. As well as the priority and speed of the repair and also the repair guarantee.

📍See which one the authorized workshop closest to you.

2. Noises when you brake the car, as if you were dragging something

Car braking noise is quite common and is not always serious. However, it is important to recognize its origin, to determine how urgently you should go to the repair shop. Here are the two most common cases that can occur:

• braking noises when you press the pedal. They are usually very sharp and clearly indicate that the brake pads are very worn and need to be replaced. Don’t let too much time pass;
• scraping metal noises, as if you were dragging something: is that right? So, get your car serviced as soon as possible! It is possible that, every time you brake, friction is created between the brake disc and the metal part of the brake pads, which could damage the mechanics of the car. It’s a good idea to fix the problem to avoid a much more costly failure.

3. High-pitched, squealing sound during acceleration

Maybe you’ve heard this sound if you’ve ridden an old bus. The high-pitched squeak during acceleration is caused by the belt that drives the auxiliary devices. These include the alternator, the water pump and the air conditioning compressor, when it runs on the pulleys.

The fix for your vehicle could be as simple as tightening your belt a little tighter or replacing it with a new one. However, it is not advisable to delay too long, as the problem may worsen.

4. Noise when starting the car, when the engine is cold

As a rule, this sound is accompanied by the knocking of the running engine. Car noises when starting the engine from cold could indicate that your vehicle has faulty valves, possibly due to a clearance problem.

💡Tip: To identify whether it is indeed a valve failure, open the bonnet and pay attention to the source of the noise. If you feel it on the front of the hood as you approach, you’re right!