Why Does My Car Make That Noise?

Have you ever been driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly—clunk, squeal, or rattle—your car starts making a noise you’ve never heard before? It’s enough to make anyone panic. But don’t worry—at Car Friend, we know that cars have a way of speaking to us… if you know how to listen.

In this guide, we’ll break down five of the most common car noises, what they mean, and (most importantly) how to fix them before they turn into costly repairs.

1. Squealing or Screeching When You Brake 🚗💨
What It Sounds Like:
A high-pitched squeal or screech that happens when you apply the brakes.

What’s Causing It?
This is usually a sign that your brake pads are worn out. Most brake pads have a small metal indicator that creates this noise as a warning—it’s your car’s way of saying, “Hey, I need new brakes!”

The Fix:
Get your brake pads checked as soon as possible. Ignoring this can lead to more serious (and expensive) brake damage. At Car Friend, we can inspect and replace your brake pads quickly, ensuring your car is safe to drive.

🔧 Pro Tip: If the squealing turns into a grinding noise, it means your brake pads are completely worn down, and your brake discs might be at risk. Don’t wait—book an inspection right away!

2. Knocking or Banging From the Engine 🔥🔊
What It Sounds Like:
A rhythmic knocking or banging noise coming from under the bonnet.

What’s Causing It?
This could be engine knocking, often caused by low-quality fuel, incorrect air-fuel mixture, or issues with engine timing. In some cases, it can indicate worn-out engine components.

The Fix:
Try using a higher-quality fuel with the correct octane rating for your car.
If the problem persists, bring your car in for a diagnostic check. We’ll inspect your engine to prevent long-term damage.
🚨 Warning: Ignoring engine knocking can lead to severe engine damage, so don’t put it off!

3. Whining or Humming While Accelerating ⚙️🔈
What It Sounds Like:
A constant whining, humming, or whirring noise when you press the accelerator.

What’s Causing It?
This could be a worn-out transmission or differential problem. It might also be low transmission fluid, which can cause overheating and damage to internal components.

The Fix:
Check your transmission fluid levels (or let us do it for you).
If the noise continues, let our team investigate—it’s better to catch transmission issues early before they lead to a costly rebuild.

4. Rattling Under the Car 🔔🚙
What It Sounds Like:
A loose, metallic rattling noise when driving over bumps or idling.

What’s Causing It?
This could be:
✅ A loose exhaust heat shield (common in older cars)
✅ A worn-out catalytic converter
✅ Loose suspension components

The Fix:
If it’s a loose heat shield, it can often be resecured.
A failing catalytic converter may need replacing to keep your emissions in check.
If it’s the suspension, you’ll want to get it checked ASAP to avoid bigger handling issues.
🔍 At Car Friend, we specialize in suspension work—so if you’re hearing rattles, we’ll get to the bottom of it.

5. Clicking or Ticking When Turning 🔄🔊
What It Sounds Like:
A rhythmic clicking noise, especially when making sharp turns.

What’s Causing It?
This is often a sign of a worn CV joint—a crucial part of your car’s drivetrain. The constant velocity (CV) joints help transfer power to the wheels while allowing for movement, but they wear down over time, especially if the protective rubber boots are damaged.

The Fix:
A damaged CV joint will need replacing before it fails completely, which can leave you stranded. If you hear clicking when turning, let us take a look before it becomes a bigger problem!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Strange Noises! 🚗🔊
Strange car noises are your car’s way of warning you that something isn’t quite right. Some issues are minor and easy to fix, while others can lead to expensive damage if left unchecked.

At Car Friend, we believe in honest advice and expert care, so if your car is making a noise that doesn’t sound right, bring it in for a check-up. We’ll diagnose the issue, explain everything clearly (no jargon, no upselling), and get you back on the road safely.

Need Help? Let’s Find That Mystery Noise Together!
📅 Book an inspection today and let’s sort it out before it gets worse. Click here to schedule your appointment!