Is Your Car Trying to Tell You Something?
Whether you drive a used car or a new car, it will wear down as time passes.
If your car is suddenly making a new noise, it’s probably trying to tell you something. Don’t ignore this new noise as it could end up costing you more in the long run. Instead, listen carefully to it, what exactly does this noise sound like?
Use the following guide to accurately describe it to your auto mechanic.
| Noise Name | Sounds Like . . . |
|---|---|
| Banging | Slamming a wooden screen door |
| Bonging | Striking a large gong |
| Booming | Distant thunder |
| Buzzing | A swarm of bees |
| Chafing | Rubbing dry hands together |
| Chattering | Windshield wipers sweeping a dry windshield |
| Chirping | A cricket calling |
| Clacking | A railroad car rolling down a track |
| Clanging | A cow bell or dinner bell ringing |
| Clanking | Dropping a heavy wrench on a concrete floor |
| Clapping | Patting your hands together |
| Clashing | Striking a pair of cymbals together |
| Clattering | Dropping wood blocks on a concrete floor |
| Clicking | Flipping a light switch on and off |
| Clinking | Empty bottles hitting each other |
| Clunking | Slamming a heavy wooden door |
| Cracking | A tree branch snapping loose |
| Crackling | Logs burning in a fireplace |
| Creaking | Swinging open a rusty-hinged gate |
| Croaking | A bullfrog calling |
| Crunching | Walking on gravel |
| Droning | A small plane flying in the distance |
| Drumming | Nervous fingers tapping on a desk |
| Fluttering | A flag flapping in the wind |
| Grating | Raking a shovel over pavement |
| Grinding | A garbage disposal running |
| Groaning | Stepping on old floorboards |
| Growling | A guard dog ready to attack |
| Gurgling | Water going down a bathtub drain |
| Hissing | Air leaking from a tire |
| Hooting | An owl calling |
| Howling | Wind blowing through a cracked open door |
| Humming | A high-voltage transformer at work |
| Jingling | Loose coins in your pocket |
| Knocking | Rapping your knuckles on a wooden door |
| Moaning | Blowing across the mouth of an empty jug |
| Oil-canning | Flexing a metal gasoline can |
| Pattering | Rain drops hitting a window pane |
| Pinging | Marbles rolling around in a can |
| Popping | Opening a champagne bottle |
| Pounding | Slamming your fist on a desktop |
| Rapping | A gavel striking a sound block |
| Rattling | Shaking a box of loose candy |
| Roaring | A raging river |
| Rumbling | Clothes tumbling in a dryer |
| Scratching | Rubbing two pieces of sandpaper together |
| Screeching | Running your fingernails across a chalkboard |
| Slapping | Hitting the water with the flat side on an oar |
| Squeaking | Walking across a hardwood floor with wet shoes |
| Squealing | Tires making a hard, fast turn |
| Ticking | A mechanical clock keeping time |
| Whining | A distant siren |
| Whistling | A tea kettle at full boil |
| Zapping | A short, quick buzz |
So, if you or a family member has noticed an odd car noise, next time you jump into your car, forget about turning on the radio (Spotify, XM or Pandora) and just listen to what your car is trying to tell you. Whether it’s a squeal or a hiss, some noises may lead to more costly repair bills than if you were to deal with them sooner.
If you have any questions or concerns about the noises coming from your car, come see us at Searles Auto Repair in Victoria, BC. Our friendly experts are always here to help! You can also give us a call at 1-250-475-2000 or schedule an appointment online
