Don’t ignore these 5 noises your car makes
It is somewhat of a schlep to get your car checked out when it starts to make strange noises, but it is more of a hassle to try and sort things out when your car breaks down on the side of the road! ‘Your car will generally make sounds from one of three areas: the engine, the gears or the brakes,’ says Gerald Mbovu, a mechanic in Pretoria. Here are the noises to look out for and what the problem might be:
Clacking
A type of clacking sound that gets more intense, the faster you drive should never be ignored. These are noises from the engine and the problem could be fuel injections not working properly. Like most problems, the longer you ignore it, the damage will just build up.
Popping
This sound is most likely coming from the engine. ‘This often means that the spark plugs are dirty or no longer operational. The air filter could also be dirty or the fuel filter might be clogged up,’ says Mbovu.
Hissing
If you hear this, there’s a good chance you’ll be parked on the side of the road soon. ‘A hiss usually means that the engine is overheating or that the vacuum device in your car needs adjusting.’ Make sure you get your car to a mechanic asap!
Grinding
A grinding noise when you change gears is a serious warning sign. ‘Get the clutch checked by a mechanic right away,’ says Mbovu. ‘Many people ignore the clutch but without it you can’t get the car into gear. If it’s not the clutch, there could be some internal damage to the gearbox, which is usually quite serious.’
Squealing
Squealing brakes are one of the most common car sounds. ‘The squeal could mean that the brake pads are overheating or worn. It could also mean that the disc calipers (the place where the brake pads and pistons are located) have loosened,’ says Mbovu. ‘If you’ve recently changed the brakes and know for sure that you aren’t in need of new ones, take your car in to be analysed by a professional mechanic.’
(Source: Gerald Mbovu)