Car noises and feelings, and what they can mean

A new noise, a vibration or a change in how the car handles is often the first sign of a problem. Noting what you hear and feel, and when, helps a mechanic find the cause faster. The brakes have their own page: Brakes, and the sounds and feelings that mean it's time.

The sounds

• Squeal. A sharp, shrill noise that rises and falls with engine speed usually means a loose or worn belt for the power steering, fan or air conditioning.
• Click. A light, sharp noise that keeps time with engine speed or road speed can come from a loose wheel cover, a bent fan blade, a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
• Rumble. A low, rhythmic sound can mean a damaged exhaust pipe, converter or muffler, or a worn universal joint or other drive-line part.
• Ping. A high-pitched, metallic tapping that comes with engine speed usually means the gas has a lower octane than the car needs. Check the owner's manual for the right octane. If the ping continues on the right fuel, the ignition timing may be off.
• Heavy knock. A rhythmic pounding can come from worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings, or a loose transmission torque converter. Have this one checked soon.
• Clunk. A random thump can mean a loose shock absorber or other suspension part, or a loose exhaust pipe or muffler.

What you feel in the steering

If the car wanders or is hard to keep straight, the front wheels may be out of alignment or a steering part, such as a ball joint, may be worn. A steady pull to the left or right can come from an underinflated tire or a damaged or misaligned front end. Check the tire pressure first, since it's the quickest fix. How to check your tires for pressure, tread and damage shows how.

What you feel in the ride

Poor cornering can come from worn shock absorbers or other suspension parts, or from the wrong tire pressure. A vibration often means a tire is out of balance, which can also wear out steering and suspension parts early.

To test the shocks, push down hard on one corner of the parked car and let go. If it bounces two or more times, the shocks are probably weak. Try each corner.

An annotated example

What to do next

Write down each noise, what the car was doing at the time and how long it lasted. Take the note with you when you book a diagnosis. For where to take the car, see Finding a mechanic before you need one.