Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

Is your car making a funny sound? Hearing a strange sound from your vehicle can be alarming, especially if you don't know what's causing the noise. Below, we've laid out some of the most common sounds that people hear from their cars when something requires maintenance or repair.

Squeaky Brakes

There are many reasons why you may hear your brakes making a squeaking sound. Some of the most common reasons for this sound are broken anti-rattle clips, worn-out brake pads, glazed brake pads, and glazed rotors. You may also hear squeaky brakes if the brake pads are not adequately insulated. Whatever the exact reason for the sound, if you do hear your brakes making this squeaky noise, you'll want to have a mechanic service them to solve the issue.

Engine Rattling

Rattling noises, sometimes also described as a 'pinging' sound, can come from your engine for several reasons. You likely hear this sound when you step on the gas pedal. This sound most commonly happens due to pre-ignition of the air/fuel mixture in the engine cylinder. When ignition occurs too early, damage can be caused to everything from the pistons to connecting rods. Some causes of pre-ignition include an overheated engine, malfunctioning EGR valve, and faulty ignition timing. Premature ignition can also occur when there are problems with the car's computer.

Engine Clicking

There are a few different reasons for hearing a 'click' sound from the engine. Most of the time, this is an indication that you are overdue for an oil change. However, this sound can some times come from hydraulic lifters that are worn out or sticking. In some cases, the lifter issue can be solved with a different oil formula, though sometimes the parts will need to be replaced entirely. Another reason for the 'click' sound can be a failing oil pump.

Knocking From Under the Hood

This sound often occurs when fuel is burning unevenly. You may also hear this sound when the upper cylinder head area of the engine requires lubrication. If you hear knocking from the engine while driving, you should have the issue looked into by a professional, since it can damage connecting rods, cylinder walls, valves, and other parts.

Engine Squealing

A squeal from the engine is often caused when the accessory belt or serpentine belt fails to function properly. Responsible for various vehicle accessory systems, like the air pump, power steering, and the alternator, this belt will squeal when it's wearing out or require adjustment. You may also notice that certain systems, such as the air conditioning, begin to fail.

If you recognize one of these sounds, get in touch with our Nissan dealership to request an appointment at our service center. Let our expert technicians help identify the problem and determine the appropriate service or repair for these odd sounds.