Why Is My Car Making Strange Noises? Common Causes & Fixes
Hearing strange noises from your car can be alarming. Whether it’s a squeal, clunk, rattle, or knocking sound, unusual car noises often signal an underlying mechanical issue that needs attention. Ignoring these sounds can lead to expensive repairs, breakdowns, or even safety hazards.
At Stellar Autoworks, our ASE-certified technicians specialize in car diagnostics and repairs, helping drivers identify and fix noise-related problems before they get worse. Below, we’ll cover the most common car noises, their potential causes, and how Stellar Autoworks can help keep your vehicle running smoothly.
1. Squealing or Screeching When Braking
🔊 What It Sounds Like:
A high-pitched squeal or screech when applying the brakes.
⚠️ What It Means:
Squealing brakes often indicate worn-out brake pads. Most modern brake pads have wear indicators that emit a squeal when they need to be replaced. If ignored, the squealing may turn into a grinding noise, meaning the brake pads are completely worn down, causing metal-on-metal contact.
🔧 How to Fix It:
✔ Replace worn brake pads before they damage the rotors.
✔ Check brake fluid levels—low fluid can reduce braking efficiency.
✔ Have your braking system inspected to ensure safe stopping power.
🚗 At Stellar Autoworks, we provide expert brake inspections and replacements, ensuring your brakes function properly for maximum safety.
2. Knocking or Pinging From the Engine
🔊 What It Sounds Like:
A rapid tapping or knocking noise from under the hood, especially during acceleration.
⚠️ What It Means:
Engine knocking is often caused by pre-ignition or detonation, meaning fuel is combusting too early inside the cylinders. This can be due to:
✅ Low-quality or incorrect fuel.
✅ Carbon buildup in the engine.
✅ Worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition timing.
🔧 How to Fix It:
✔ Use the recommended fuel grade for your car.
✔ Replace old spark plugs and ignition coils.
✔ Get a professional engine diagnostic to check for carbon buildup or timing issues.
🚗 Stellar Autoworks offers complete engine diagnostics and tune-ups to eliminate knocking sounds and improve performance.
3. Rattling or Clunking Under the Car
🔊 What It Sounds Like:
A metallic rattling or clunking noise coming from the underside of your vehicle, especially when driving over bumps.
⚠️ What It Means:
A rattling noise under the car may indicate:
✅ Loose or broken exhaust components.
✅ Worn suspension parts, like ball joints or sway bar links.
✅ Loose heat shields vibrating against the exhaust system.
🔧 How to Fix It:
✔ Check for loose exhaust clamps, brackets, or heat shields.
✔ Inspect suspension and steering components for wear.
✔ Tighten or replace any loose parts to prevent further damage.
🚗 At Stellar Autoworks, we diagnose and fix suspension, exhaust, and undercarriage issues to restore a smooth and quiet ride.
4. Hissing or Sizzling Sound From the Engine
🔊 What It Sounds Like:
A hissing or sizzling noise coming from the engine bay, especially after turning off the car.
⚠️ What It Means:
Hissing sounds usually indicate a fluid leak hitting a hot engine component, such as:
✅ Coolant leaking onto a hot surface (possible radiator or hose issue).
✅ Oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold.
✅ Vacuum leaks, which can affect engine performance.
🔧 How to Fix It:
✔ Check for visible fluid leaks under the car.
✔ Inspect coolant and oil levels regularly.
✔ Get an engine diagnostic to identify leaks and fix them before overheating occurs.
🚗 Stellar Autoworks provides leak detection and engine diagnostics, preventing costly engine damage.
5. Grinding or Whining Noise When Turning the Wheel
🔊 What It Sounds Like:
A grinding, groaning, or whining noise when turning the steering wheel.
⚠️ What It Means:
Steering noises often indicate issues with the power steering system or suspension components:
✅ Low or leaking power steering fluid.
✅ Worn-out steering rack or ball joints.
✅ Damaged CV joints causing clicking noises when turning.
🔧 How to Fix It:
✔ Check and refill power steering fluid if it’s low.
✔ Inspect and replace worn suspension or steering components.
✔ Get a professional suspension check to diagnose steering noise causes.
🚗 At Stellar Autoworks, we repair power steering systems and suspension components, ensuring smooth and noise-free steering.
6. Clicking Noise When Accelerating or Turning
🔊 What It Sounds Like:
A rapid clicking or popping sound when turning or accelerating.
⚠️ What It Means:
This usually indicates a failing CV joint or axle, which is critical for delivering power to the wheels. If left unchecked, a broken CV joint can lead to complete drivetrain failure.
🔧 How to Fix It:
✔ Inspect CV joints and replace worn boots to prevent further damage.
✔ Check axles and suspension for looseness or wear.
✔ Get a professional drivetrain inspection to ensure safe operation.
🚗 Stellar Autoworks specializes in CV joint and axle repairs, preventing costly breakdowns.
Why Choose Stellar Autoworks for Car Noise Diagnostics?
At Stellar Autoworks, we understand that unusual car noises can be stressful. Our certified technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and fix any noise-related issues quickly and efficiently.
Why Customers Trust Us:
✅ Comprehensive Noise Diagnostics – Pinpointing issues with brakes, engines, suspensions, and more.
✅ High-Quality Repairs – Using OEM and high-performance parts.
✅ Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – Honest, upfront estimates on all repairs.
✅ Fast & Reliable Service – Quick turnaround to get you back on the road safely.
✅ Experienced Technicians – ASE-certified professionals working on all makes and models.
🚗 No matter what noise your car is making, we’ll find the cause and fix it!
Schedule a Noise Diagnosis at Stellar Autoworks Today!
If your car is making strange noises, don’t ignore them—they could indicate a serious problem. Let Stellar Autoworks diagnose and fix the issue before it leads to expensive repairs or safety risks.
🚗 Drive with confidence—schedule your car noise diagnostic at Stellar Autoworks today! 🔧🔊