If your car is starting to make strange noises you've never heard before, it's time for a car service. By listening to your car, each type of noise can indicate the possible problem and let you know what kind of car repair is needed.
Here are some examples of some typical noises that indicate a needed car repair:
1. Whistling or hissing – Could be caused by a broken or missing vacuum hose if heard when the engine is running, causing your engine to shake and idle poorly, decreasing its performance and increasing fuel consumption.
2. High-pitched squealing – If accompanied by a sharp, jerky motion when turning the steering wheel at low speed, it could be an indication that the power-steering is loose or worn, the power steering belt needs to be tightened or replaced, or that the power steering fluid level is low and needs to be topped off. If the squealing continues while driving, other belts such as the alternator, air conditioner compressor, or water pump could be loose. Schedule a car service to see if a replacement or adjustment is needed.
3. Tapping, clicking, or clattering -- A light tapping or clicking sound may be heard for a few minutes if your engine has sat idle for a while and the oil has not had sufficient time to lubricate the engine. It's caused by valve lifters that need to be refilled with engine oil upon starting. If the noise continues for more than a few seconds, an oil change and a new filter may be necessary.
4. Pinging or rattling – If sounds like marbles rattling in a can are heard when the engine is revved up, it could be caused by abnormal combustion called "detonation" or "spark knock." Don't put off having a car repair to prevent more serious damage from occurring from key engine parts overheating.
5. Roaring – Caused by a leak either in the muffler or exhaust pipes and becomes louder as the engine accelerates. Any leak allows poisonous carbon monoxide gases to escape into the atmosphere, and even worse, into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle running clean and passengers safe with a timely car repair.
It makes good sense to have an inspection and diagnosis at a car service center if any of the above noises sound familiar to you. While it's true that some minor problems can wait; others will only get bigger if you procrastinate having a needed car repair. Save money by taking care of minor problems before they get bigger.
Hearing strange car noises? Our car repair specialists will be glad to answer your questions. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information about car repair. Since 1975, our family-owned automotive repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
If your car is starting to make strange noises you've never heard before, it's time for a car service. By listening to your car, each type of noise can indicate the possible problem and let you know what kind of car repair is needed.
Here are some examples of some typical noises that indicate a needed car repair:
1. Whistling or hissing – Could be caused by a broken or missing vacuum hose if heard when the engine is running, causing your engine to shake and idle poorly, decreasing its performance and increasing fuel consumption.
2. High-pitched squealing – If accompanied by a sharp, jerky motion when turning the steering wheel at low speed, it could be an indication that the power-steering is loose or worn, the power steering belt needs to be tightened or replaced, or that the power steering fluid level is low and needs to be topped off. If the squealing continues while driving, other belts such as the alternator, air conditioner compressor, or water pump could be loose. Schedule a car service to see if a replacement or adjustment is needed.
3. Tapping, clicking, or clattering -- A light tapping or clicking sound may be heard for a few minutes if your engine has sat idle for a while and the oil has not had sufficient time to lubricate the engine. It's caused by valve lifters that need to be refilled with engine oil upon starting. If the noise continues for more than a few seconds, an oil change and a new filter may be necessary.
4. Pinging or rattling – If sounds like marbles rattling in a can are heard when the engine is revved up, it could be caused by abnormal combustion called "detonation" or "spark knock." Don't put off having a car repair to prevent more serious damage from occurring from key engine parts overheating.
5. Roaring – Caused by a leak either in the muffler or exhaust pipes and becomes louder as the engine accelerates. Any leak allows poisonous carbon monoxide gases to escape into the atmosphere, and even worse, into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle running clean and passengers safe with a timely car repair.
It makes good sense to have an inspection and diagnosis at a car service center if any of the above noises sound familiar to you. While it's true that some minor problems can wait; others will only get bigger if you procrastinate having a needed car repair. Save money by taking care of minor problems before they get bigger.
Hearing strange car noises? Our car repair specialists will be glad to answer your questions. Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 for more information about car repair. Since 1975, our family-owned automotive repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
