Vehicles make a variety of noises while operating, many of which are perfectly normal. If your vehicle begins to make newsounds you haven’t heard before, or if a certain unusual noise is persistent, it may be cause for attention. A vehicle is a complex piece of machinery, so it can be hard for most people to determine where exactly the noises are coming from and what they mean. Here are a few of the common unnatural noises vehicles can make and what causes them.

Squealing when braking
A squealing or screeching sound when you put on the brakes may indicate you need new brake pads, rotor resurfacing, or replacement. Installing new brake pads, and resurfacing or replacing the brake rotors if necessary, will help ensure you’ll be able to stop safely and quietly without causing further damage to your vehicle.

Rumbling or rattling exhaust
Rumbling, rattling, or sputtering sounds coming from under your car indicate a need for exhaust system repairs or exhaust component replacement. The noises could be caused by a hole somewhere in your exhaust system, and although that sounds serious, repairs can be rather simple. If the problem is your catalytic converter (which reduces vehicle emissions), you’ll hear a rattling when sitting at a stop light. The repairs of your catalytic converter can be more involved and costly.

Squealing under the hood
If a squealing noise is coming from under the hood of your vehicle, it may mean you need your drive belt, also called serpentine belt, replaced. Your car’s drive belt is a single belt that transfers power produced by the engine’s revolutions to multiple accessories like the air conditioning, power steering, and alternator. Over time, as the belt wears down, you’ll hear a squealing sound when you first start the car or when you rev it up. If you believe you have an issue with your drive belt, you’ll want to get it replaced right away. Otherwise, you run the risk of the belt breaking and your engine potentially overheating due to loss of the cooling system. Overheating can cause extensive engine damage, which will be much more costly to repair than just replacing the drive belt.

Humming, growling, or roaring noise while driving
If you’re hearing a humming, growling, or roaring noise as you drive down the road, this could mean you need new tires or new wheel bearings. Address this issue as soon as possible, or your wheel bearing could potentially fall apart — meaning you could end up stranded on the side of the road with a wheel that won’t budge.

Schedule a service at Ormsby Motors for your auto maintenance needs. We’re here to help! Please call (815)-459-4566 or email us directly at: ormsbymotors@sbcglobal.net.