Five common car noises that should put you on edge

Driving a vehicle can never be all dead silent, there has to be sound, and that can be the only thing that indicates your car is not dead. Sounds and noises are part of operating a vehicle, which explains why our cars can make some pretty uncomfortable noises such as screeching, squealing, clanking or banging, in fact, revving the engine and hearing it roar can sound like music to your ears.

So, when should you get worried, rather put, what noise should get you worried? They include:

2023: I’m vindicated on South-West Presidency, says APC chieftain, Ahmed Lawal

1. Exhaust pops: A common cause of exhaust pops are leaks, particularly in the fuel injector. That popping sound from the exhaust usually indicates a leakage which will eventually lead to engine damage and increased fuel consumption. At times, this popping noise can also be heard when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal quickly or if there is a gear change. whenever you hear something popping, for the sake of optimum performance, get it inspected.

 

2. Groaning yawns: The steering wheel is a vital component on a vehicle. When in use, it should not appear difficult to operate or be unresponsive,if turning the steering wheel causes it to groan wildly like it just woke up from a deep slumber, it suggests a fault in the power steering system that is causing friction. As the problem worsens, you’ll slowly lose control over the car’s steering or even damage the entire power steering system.

 

3. Engine hisses: Ideally, when humans hiss, they are probably displeased or troubled, so a hissing engine is not only ominous, it may also be a sign of trouble. That hissing may suggest that your engine is overheating or the exhaust system/catalytic converter is plugged. And if the hiss comes more directly from the engine you probably have an air leak in the intake tract of the engine.

 

4. Steering clunks: A clunk that occurs from under the vehicle when going over bumps or when cornering usually means a suspension or steering joint has developed some excessive play or has lost most of its lubricant. Either way, it’s a sign of impending failure and if a ball joint or steering tie rod end breaks while you’re driving, it can be very hard to maintain steering control.
5. Transmission crunches: If your vehicle makes a crunching noise while it shifts gears, it’s very likely there’s a problem with your transmission. The transmission consists of a series of gears and other components and ensures the correct amount of power goes to your wheels. Considering the fact that your vehicle’s transmission is vital to its operation when your transmission is malfunctioning, your vehicle can lose its fuel economy or even become inoperable. It is safer to have this checked in time in order to avoid replacing the entire transmission.

A car does not have the ability to communicate orally with its owner because it is an engineered machine, making sounds is the only way it speaks with you. Although it’s understandable that you might ignore these noises assuming them to be inconsequential, the truth is some noises that come from your car requires immediate attention.

 

Key takeaway: By taking a more proactive approach to regular car maintenance, car owners are likely to avoid enormous and unexpected repair bills.

 

Nigerian Tribune