9 car noises to look out for (and what to do)

When your car suddenly starts squeaking, rattling, or making any other unusual engine noises, it’s usually a sign that something’s off. The good news is that strange car noises are often early warning signs, which means a timely intervention could save you from expensive repairs.

Let’s walk through nine common car noises, what might be causing them, and what to do next.

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1. Why is my car making a noise when I turn?

If you hear clicking, knocking, or a grinding noise while turning your car, it’s often linked to issues with your CV joint, power steering system, or suspension components.

Worn or damaged CV joints: These allow the wheels to keep turning smoothly as the suspension moves. When they wear out, they often make a clicking or popping noise that gets faster as the car accelerates through a turn.
Failing power steering pump: If this is struggling or leaking fluid, you may hear a whining or groaning sound when turning the wheel, especially at low speeds or when the car is stationary.
Suspension wear (e.g. bushings or track rod ends): Clunking or knocking noises when turning could point to worn suspension parts.

What should I do about a noise when turning?

If you hear clicking, knocking, or whining when turning, avoid driving long distances until it’s inspected. Check your power steering fluid level if you can, as low fluid can cause whining sounds. Clicking or clunking often points to worn CV joints or suspension parts, so have a mechanic look at it promptly to avoid further damage.

See more: How much does suspension repair cost in the UK?

2. Why is my car making a rattling noise?

If your car is making a rattling sound while driving (or even idling), it usually means something under the bonnet or near the exhaust system is loose or worn out.

Loose heat shields: These metal plates sit between your exhaust and the rest of the car. When they loosen, they can rattle loudly, especially when idling.
A failing catalytic converter: If the internal mesh of your catalytic converter breaks down, it can create a consistent rattle that gets worse over time.
Worn mounts in the exhaust system: These hold your exhaust system in place. When they weaken, the exhaust pipes can move around and knock against the chassis.
Deteriorated hoses: As rubber ages, it can dry out or crack. This can cause parts to vibrate loosely or even leak – especially in colder weather.

What should I do about a rattling noise in my car?

Check under the car when it’s cool for any visibly loose heat shields or exhaust parts. If the rattle gets louder while idling or driving, book a mechanic appointment soon. Rattles can be harmless, but they can also point to failing exhaust mounts or catalytic converter issues that need attention.

See more: How much does it cost to replace an exhaust?

3. Why is my car making a ticking noise?

Ticking noises are usually an early sign of issues with your engine’s lubrication system of valve components. You might notice the ticking more when the engine is cold, or after the car’s been sitting for a while. While some ticking noises can be harmless, others can lead to performance issues or even severe damage if left unresolved. So, what causes ticking sounds in a car?

Low oil levels: Not enough oil means parts like hydraulic lifters or rocker arms may not be properly lubricated, causing them to tick or tap.
Worn lifters: These small components regulate valve movement. When worn, they create a ticking sound that won’t go away on its own.
Issues with ignition timing: If this is off, it can create a ticking or knocking sound, often paired with rough idling or loss of power.
Faulty rocker arms: These help open and close the engine valves. If damaged or loose, they can tap against your engine covers, which causes that consistent ticking.

What should I do about a ticking noise in my car?

Start by checking your engine oil level and condition. If the oil is low or dirty, top it up or change it to see if that helps. If it continues, don’t ignore it – have a professional mechanic check it out.

Did you know? Over 50% of UK drivers delay repairs due to cost, and many end up paying the price with bigger, more expensive problems down the line.

4. Why is my car making a squeaking noise?

If your car makes a squeaking sound when braking, accelerating, or starting up, it’s usually down to something worn, loose, or under stress.

Worn brake pads: Brake pads are designed to make a squeaking or screeching sound when they’re nearly worn out, so it’s your car’s built-in way of telling you they need replacing.
A slipping serpentine belt: Also known as a fan belt or auxiliary belt, this drives major systems like your alternator and water pump. When it’s loose or worn, it can squeal, especially during cold starts.
Faulty clutch plates: If your clutch is on its way out, you might hear a squeak or chatter when changing gears, especially in manual cars.

What should I do about a squeaking noise in my car?

Start by checking the likely causes: brake pads, the serpentine belt, and the clutch if you drive a manual. If the brake pads look thin or worn, replace them as soon as possible.

If the squeak happens on cold starts or when you accelerate, have the serpentine belt inspected for wear or tension. And if you hear it while changing gears, get the clutch checked. A quick visit to a mechanic can confirm the issue and prevent bigger problems later.

5. Why is my car making a whistling noise?

A whistling noise while driving usually means air is escaping from part of your engine, often through a cracked hose, vacuum leak, or damaged seal. The sound can be high-pitched and may get louder when accelerating or idling. This is one of those noises that’s easy to overlook, but it could be masking a much bigger problem with your engine’s air-fuel mixture.

Leaky turbo or vacuum hoses: These rubber pipes manage airflow through your engine. A leak here throws off the air balance and creates a distinctive whistle.
Failing radiator fan: A bent or misaligned fan blade can create a high-pitched noise as it spins, especially if it’s brushing against a shroud or worn bearing.
Cracks in the intake system: If the intake manifold or piping is damaged, air can seep in or out at the wrong point, often creating a whistle when accelerating.

What should I do about a whistling noise in my car?

Check for any obvious leaks in vacuum hoses or the intake system and listen carefully when the engine is idling. If you suspect a loose or damaged hose, avoid driving long distances until a mechanic inspects it, as air leaks can affect performance and fuel economy.

If one of these car noises turns into a real issue, don’t panic about the bill. With Bumper’s interest-free car repair finance, you can avoid a lump-sum payment and handle the cost like a pro. It’s a smarter alternative to a traditional car repair loan, with no interest and no stress. Apply now!

6. Why is my car making a knocking noise from the engine?

If you hear a knocking or thudding noise from your engine, especially when accelerating, there might be some abnormal combustion or worn internal components.

Incorrect ignition timing: When the spark plug fires too early or too late, it can cause fuel to ignite unevenly, resulting in a knock.
Bad air-fuel mixture: If your engine is running with either too much or too little fuel, the explosion inside the cylinder isn’t as controlled as it should be, creating a knocking sound.
Damaged engine covers or internal components: Loose or worn rocker arms or lifters can cause physical knocking sounds as they move out of sync.

What should I do about a knocking noise from the engine?

Stop driving if the knocking is loud or persistent, as it could signal serious engine damage. Check your car’s oil level and fuel quality, then book a professional inspection as soon as possible. Engine knocks can quickly worsen if left untreated.

7. Why is my car making a scraping noise when driving or braking?

A scraping or grinding sound (especially when slowing down or turning) usually means some friction between parts of your car. It’s a noise you should never ignore, as it’s often linked to your car’s braking systems or wheels. You might notice the noise gets worse when you press the brake pedal or drive at low speeds.

Metal-on-metal contact from worn brake pads: If your brake pads are completely worn down, the metal backing can scrape against the rotor – damaging the rotor and reducing braking performance.
Loose debris trapped near the wheels: Small stones, rust flakes, or road debris can get lodged behind the brake shield or between moving parts, causing a continuous scraping sound.
Damaged rotors or callipers: Warped or uneven brake rotors or misaligned callipers can cause enough friction to create a scraping, grinding noise when braking.

What should I do about a scraping noise?

Avoid driving until you find the cause. Check for debris around the wheels and look for signs of worn brake pads. If the noise persists or braking feels weaker, get your car to a mechanic immediately, as braking issues can be dangerous.

See more: How much are replacement brake pads?

8. Why does my car backfire when accelerating?

If your car makes a loud bang or pop during acceleration, this could be a backfire caused by fuel igniting outside the combustion chamber. While it sounds dramatic, it’s often down to a simple issue that can be easily corrected.

An imbalanced air-fuel mixture: If there’s too much fuel or not enough air, unburnt fuel can ignite in the exhaust system, causing a sharp bang.
A failing catalytic converter: When your catalytic converter is damaged or blocked, it can’t burn off unspent fuel properly, which may lead to backfiring.
Misfiring spark plugs or timing issues: If your spark plugs are worn or your ignition timing is off, combustion may happen at the wrong moment.

What should I do if my car backfires when accelerating?

Check your fuel quality and make sure your car isn’t overdue for a service. Backfiring often points to ignition or fuel system issues, so arrange a professional inspection quickly to prevent damage to your exhaust or engine.

9. Why does my car vibrate while driving?

If your car feels like it’s vibrating or buzzing at higher speeds, it’s usually a sign that something’s misaligned in the wheels, drivetrain, or suspension. These vibration noises often start small and build gradually over time. You might notice them in the steering wheel, through your seat, or even under your feet.

Misaligned wheels: If your wheels aren’t aligned, they can start to wobble as they rotate, especially at speed.
Worn CV joints: A damaged or failing CV joint can cause vibration when speeding up or turning, as the drive to the wheels becomes uneven.
Unbalanced tyres or faulty clutch plates: Even a small imbalance in your tyres or issues with clutch components can create a noticeable shake when driving.

What should I do if my car vibrates while driving?

Slow down and pull over if the vibration feels severe or the car is hard to control. Check your tyres for visible damage or low pressure, then book a wheel alignment or mechanical check to diagnose any worn suspension or drivetrain parts.

See more: How much does a wheel alignment cost?

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FAQs

What noises are normal for a car?

Some car noises are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. These include the hum of tyres on the road, a soft whoosh from the air vents, the gentle sound of the engine idling, and the clicking of indicators. Occasional brake squeaks in wet weather or a faint fan belt sound during a cold start can also be normal. However, if noises become louder, persistent, or unusual, it may be a sign of a developing problem that needs attention.

What are normal engine noises?

A healthy engine should run smoothly with a consistent, steady hum. It’s normal to hear a quiet ticking as fuel injectors work, a low growl when accelerating, or a gentle whirring from belts and pulleys. These sounds indicate that components are operating as they should. Loud knocking, rattling, grinding, or high-pitched squealing, however, are not normal engine noises and are usually caused by an issue that needs a mechanic’s inspection.