Aside from the typical noises made by a car as it is moving, such as the tyres touching the road or the wind at high speeds, any unusual noises coming from the engine should be investigated right away or as soon as it is safe to do so. Take a look below if you hear these noises:
Jump to:
1. Loud Banging
2. Hissing
3. Knocking
4. Squealing
5. Grinding
Loud Bang(ing):
Backfire is a term used to describe an extremely loud band that sounds like fireworks popping. Any time the engine's exterior cylinders and the car's air-fuel ignite, an engine backfire occurs. If left unchecked, this can harm the car's exhaust or intake, reduce the engine's ability to produce power, and waste a lot of fuel. A skilled service technician will need to look at why your car is backfiring in order to fix the problem.
Hissing:
The engine may be overheating if you hear a hissing sound when driving or while it is just sitting idle. If this is not addressed right away, it could lead to more serious issues. A malfunctioning water pump, leak in the cooling system, a broken radiator, or extremely low coolant levels are the usual causes of an overheated engine. Try to stop in a safe location so that you can check the situation if your car overheats while you are driving. It is best to seek a qualified professional for assistance if you are unable to examine the engine yourself.
Knocking:
You should not disregard hearing your engine knock because it typically indicates that your engine has a serious issue. Numerous things, such as low fluid levels or, worse yet, a damaged or loose rod bearing, can cause an engine to knock. A visit to the mechanic or service centre is strongly advised to prevent any unexpectedly significant expenses or being stranded on the side of the road.
Squealing:
An engine will frequently squeal when accelerating or when it is cold. A loud screaming engine, however, signals a problem with the fan belt. Over time, fan belts frequently become looser; the best course of action is to have the fan belt adjusted or replaced as soon as possible by a qualified car technician.
Grinding:
Shifting gears causes grinding sounds to occur (common on manual transmissions). A loud grinding sound is made when the clutch is unable to separate the gearbox from the engine. The noise will be strikingly similar to what manual transmission drivers experience when they fail to shift gears and go into neutral. Grinding noises are also typically caused by a malfunctioning gearbox, clutch system, or worn brake pads, therefore it's important to have your car serviced regularly.
Any unusual noise your car makes while you're driving could be a warning that something is wrong and needs to be looked at right away before things become worse. Locate your nearest Richmond Motor Group service centre if required and we will be more than happy to assist.