With few exceptions – Optimus Prime, KITT, and Christine come to mind – our vehicles don't speak the English language. But that hardly means your car isn’t trying to communicate with you.
It can be hard to discern natural car sounds from the alarming ones. But in its own way, your vehicle is trying to audibly convey to you that something's wrong and it needs help.
Courtesy of All American Ford, here’s a primer on the types of sounds your vehicle could emit – and more importantly, what they might mean.
Squealing / Chirping
A high-pitched squealing or screeching is more than a constant irritant to the driver – it’s often the sign of a loose or worn belt. If you hear a squealing or chirping coming from your engine, it may be your serpentine belt. This important component powers your alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. Make a service appointment at once, as a broken belt can lead to overheating or a loss of power steering – plus a hefty repair estimate.
Also confirm that the squealing is coming from your engine and not your brakes. Manufacturers intentionally insert a small piece of metal between your brake pads, which emits a tinny screech to let you know your brake pads are thinning. Brake pad replacement is nothing to take lightly, but at least it’s generally cheaper than replacing your serpentine belt.
Knocking / Tapping / Pinging
No, it’s not someone trapped in your car’s hood (hopefully). A knocking or tapping coming from your engine could be due to an issue with the engine bearings. These bearings support the engine’s rotating structures – and they’re not shy about letting you know when they’re wearing down.
Alternatively, it could be a problem with low-grade fuel or worn-out spark plugs – both capable of causing damage or engine failure. The professional service technicians at our Service Center will be able to identify if this is the case.
Clunking / Rattling
A constant clunking in your engine is one of the most concerning car noises, because it’s an immediate sign that something is loose and not in its proper place. Odds are, that something could be vital to your safety and your vehicle's health.
A low rattling or rumbling sound could prove even more disconcerting, as it typically points to a failing catalytic converter. Unfortunately, the only option in this scenario is fully replacing the converter.
Whooshing / Hissing
Generally, these sounds are caused by a leak in the exhaust system. If allowed to spread, this leak can decrease both engine performance and fuel economy. We can point to several potential culprits for this leak: holes in the muffler, catalytic converter, or exhaust manifold are all possibilities. Regardless of how it happened, our Parts Center is here to restore balance to your vehicle and get it running smoothly once more.
An elongated hissing could also stem from coolant leakage or the vehicle’s cooling system overheating. If you suspect your vehicle is overheating, pull over immediately – both for your own safety and the health of your engine.
Transmission Grinding
Sustained grinding noises are commonly the result of transmission issues and are most audible when shifting or changing gears. (Automatic transmissions cause jerking and shaking in place of a grinding noise.) Check for additional signs of faulty transmission, such as leaking fluid, a burning smell, or a loss of power. Consult with an expert or certified professional at once to avoid hefty transmission repair costs.
Touch the Sound of Silence
The most beautiful sound your vehicle can produce is no sound at all. A quiet engine means a happy engine, and at All American Ford, we'll give your vehicle the silent treatment. We're Springville's home for brake service, tire rotations, oil changes, and more.
If your engine continues making unusual noises, we’re your stop to trade up for a new or used Ford. From SUVs like the 2024 Ford Bronco to the award-winning F-150 truck, we’re stocked with vehicles that purr like a kitten and drive like a dream.