In this article, we’re discussing what to do if you have a car making rattling, screeching, squeaking sounds.
Hansma Automotive is your go-to Kitchener-Waterloo area automotive service and repair shop. Whatever the issue is, we can fix it. Contact us today to book an appointment.
Now let’s dig in and discuss why your car might be making rattling, screeching, squeaking sounds, and what to do about it.
Is Your Car Making Rattling, Screeching, Squeaking or Other Noises?
Sometimes these noises disappear after a few minutes or a brief drive, but oftentimes they linger for weeks until your vehicle is able to be diagnosed and repaired. It is important to be able to recognize different sounds your vehicle might make.
This information will not only educate you about the common reason a sound is occurring, but also keep you safer as you drive by helping avoid a brake or engine failure.
Here are some potential issues, and what you can do next.
1. Car making rattling, screeching, squeaking noise when you use the brakes:
This could be a sign that you have damaged brakes, including dirty brake pads or worn brake pads.
It might also mean your are not operating in an even fashion, or that the rotors are warped and the brake drums need to be replaced.
Solution: Come in for a brake safety check at Hansma Automotive and we can take a look at your:
Pads and shoes for wear
Drums and rotors for wear
Wheel cylinders and calipers for leaks
Hydraulic lines and hoses for leaks, kinks and blockages
Fluid in the master cylinder for level and condition.
Functioning brakes are imperative for vehicle safety.
2. Grinding sound when you shift gears:
This could indicate any of the following:
Your clutch is worn out or needs to be adjusted.
Your transmission is damaged.
The shift linkage needs to be adjusted
Solution: Begin with a multi-point diagnostic of your vehicle to determine what the problem is. Here’s what would need to be done to assess the situation:
Check your transmission fluid for colour and smell. Discoloured fluid or an unpleasant odour is a sign of possible wear and internal damage.
Road test. During this time, we test your vehicle for slippage, noise, and harsh or erratic shifting.
Lift Inspection: An examination of your vehicle’s U-joints, transmission mounts, fluid retention, electronic controls, throttle linkage, modulators, the engine RPM and neutral switch. Sometimes this will allow us to find a problem where only a minor correction is required.
Pan examination: A look at what might be happening inside your transmission. An unusual amount of metal particles present indicates that there is probably some internal damage and a more thorough internal examination will be required.
Transmission repairs can be very costly and put a major dent in your budget budget. By starting with this thorough inspection, we can potentially save you from being charged for a large and unnecessary repair.
Learn more about how your transmission works.
3. Rattling sound from beneath your car:
This points to the fact your exhaust system is likely in need of repair.
The simplest way to detect an issue with your exhaust system is by ear. If your vehicle suddenly starts to sound different one day - often louder or more 'harsh' - then there is likely an issue with your exhaust system.
Solution: If treated soon enough, repairing an exhaust pipe can be a very quick process. However, if the problem is allowed to persist, the damage will increase, and the repair could be more time and cost intensive. It is therefore best to have it checked out as soon as possible.
Have your exhaust checked as soon as possible if your hear a noise from beneath your vehicle.
4. Squealing noise when you press the gas pedal:
This could mean your drive belt is loose or slipping, or that your drive pulleys are misaligned.
Solution: There’s no set mileage at which this belt should be replaced, so it’s recommend you have the belt inspected during your regular maintenance visits. Your mechanic will look for cuts, cracks, missing chunks and other signs of wear; usually, it's fairly easy to see if the belt is worn out, and a replacement is fairly simple as well.
5. Scraping or scratching noise from the rear of the car while driving:
There may be debris such as ice or a tree branch that is rubbing up against your tires, or maybe your parking brake is on.
Solution: This is a pretty easy fix. Get out of your vehicle, take a look, and remove anything that may be stuck to your vehicle.
6. Your engine hesitates or pops:
There could be one of many possible reasons for this, including:
Worn out spark plug
Clogged air filter
Ignition problem
Clogged fuel filter
Water in gasoline
Catalytic converter is clogged
Solution: A good mechanic will offer you routine safety checks that cover many aspects of your vehicle, such as:
Spark Plugs - A low performing plug can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30%
Fuel Filter - It is recommended to change this part every 15,000 kilometers
Crankcase Vent Filter - It is recommended to change this part every 40,000 kilometers
Vapour Canister - It is recommended to change this part every 40,000 kilometers
Preventive maintenance on your vehicle is key. There isn't a precise definition of what a tune-up should exactly include, but according to autotap.com's technical library, most mechanics would agree that it should include replacing spark plugs, checking fluids, and making other adjustments to maintain and restore your engine's performance.
Car making rattling, screeching, squeaking, or other noises? Trust Hansma!
At Hansma, we offer service with a difference. We have worked hard to gain a reputation for honesty and quality work.
Trust the professionals at Hansma to only recommend and carry out the repairs that you actually need. We will let you know what you need done and when it should be done. We have experience servicing all makes and models of vehicles, including Ford, Honda, Chrysler, and more.
Our customers have come to consider us as their mechanic friend. And as your mechanic friend, we promise to give you top-notch service at reasonable and competitive rates.
Click here to meet our friendly team and contact us today and find out about the Hansma service difference for yourself.
We are open every weekday from 8 AM to 6 PM. Come see us at 88 Shoemaker St. in Kitchener, Ontario.