Each one of us loves driving cars. Isn’t it? The real trouble begins with the car not starting or when it starts to make strange noises which leave us clueless about what is wrong with our dear machine and if we really need to rush to the mechanic to get it sorted! Today, let’s talk about types of car noises. The odd sounds your vehicle makes when it’s not feeling quite right. We’ve got fifteen of the most common ones our customers often mention. But this isn’t just a list. We’ll tell you when to shrug it off and when it’s time to meet your mechanic. Simple. Straightforward. And maybe a little less stressful.
Before you go ahead, remember the last drive with your car and check if it made any of the noises mentioned below!
1. Rattling or Wobbling sound at low speeds
Diagnosis: Loosened Lug Nut
If you hear a rattling or wobbling sound when you start to drive and it goes away with the speeds, it can possibly be because of a loose or misaligned lug nut inside a hub cap. You may have replaced the wheel or loosened the nut in the recent past and now haven’t tightened it properly. The simplest thing you can do is tighten your nuts once again or look for a lug nut that might have gone bad. If you don’t find anything suspicious, it’s definitely time to head to the nearest car specialist.
Related: 10 Car Maintenance Mistakes. You are doing it WRONG!!
2. Brake Squeal
Diagnosis: Worn-out Brake Pad
Another common car noise is the squealing sound from the brakes. I am sure most of you have experienced this sound. For those still puzzled by the strange squealing their car does, here’s the truth: it’s the brake pads. They wear out. That’s their story. Like every part of a car, brake pads have a lifespan and a limit. Beyond that, they won’t stay silent. They don’t argue; they just remind you they’re done. You need to get them replaced if you experience such noise. Also, get your brake disc checked for turning and get it done if required.
3. Clicking Noise While Turning
Diagnosis: Failing CV Joints (Constant Velocity)
Life doesn’t always let you drive straight! Experiencing noises while turning your car can also be a sign of danger. Initially, you will hear a low clicking noise which will grow further with time. If you are experiencing this kind of noise, you are advised to visit a workshop near you immediately as this can be because of the constant velocity joints on your front axle which may need to be replaced. If you don’t pay attention to the joints, they can cause bad effects on your axle as well and you don’t want your axle to fail for sure. Do you?
Also Read: 10 Things You Should Never Do in a CNG Car | CNG Maintenance
4. Squealing under the hood
Diagnosis: Worn-out Serpentine Belt
A faint squeal greets you when you start the engine. It’s not the road calling; it’s the serpentine belt which is worn out and asking for attention. This belt is the quiet workhorse, running your alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and a few others in the background. Ignore it, and you risk more than noise. This belt should be replaced immediately as it is an extremely important part of driving the power from the engine to make other crucial parts work. This is not a DIY task at all. You are not advised to do this yourself. By now, you know where to head! This is one of the most common car noises that our customers have reported and we have told you to be cautious before things go bad in your case.
5. Rumbling Sound From the Exhaust
Diagnosis: Cracked Exhaust Muffler
If you hear a rumbling sound from the rear compartment while you drive, it can be because of a small peel or leak in the exhaust muffler. The roaring you hear is the excess engine noise that usually gets silenced by the exhaust muffler and now that it has gone bad, the noise is audible to you. The noise will grow as soon as the crack/leak becomes bigger in size. This can mean that you are letting carbon monoxide directly into the atmosphere and causing bad effects on the environment. Get this problem fixed asap from a GoMechanic workshop near you.
6. Squeal While Turning
Diagnosis: Low Power Steering Fluid
When you turn the wheel and a squeal answers back, your car is trying to tell you something. It’s running low on power steering fluid. Pop the hood and take a look at the reservoir. If the fluid’s barely there, top it up for now. But if this keeps happening, don’t ignore it. Head to a professional workshop. Let them figure out why your car’s been whispering trouble before it becomes a shout.
7. Groaning Yawn while Turning
Diagnosis: Failing Power Steering Assembly
Sometimes, the steering wheel speaks in ways we don’t expect. A low groan, almost like a tired yawn, when you take a turn. It’s a warning. Ignore it, and what starts as a whisper could turn into chaos. If you let it linger, you risk losing control of the very thing that guides your car. Don’t shrug it off. Don’t wait for the noise to grow louder. Take a moment, head to the nearest mechanic nearby, and let them take a look. Catch it early. Fix it before it becomes more than a noise.
8. Grinding while shifting gears
Diagnosis: Worn-out Clutch
Another one among common car noises faced by our customers is the grinding noise while they shift gears. This can be a common issue with cars having a worn-out clutch or a clutch with bad tuning. You need to get your car inspected if you are facing such an issue because it can be really bad for your transmission if not solved well in time.
9. Knocking from the engine compartment
Diagnosis: Engine Compression Issues
Knocking is a common phenomenon which can occur in engines due to the incomplete combustion of fuel. Yes, this is also one of the most common engine noises that trouble many people just because if this problem occurs with your car, you won’t get that fuel efficiency that your car used to deliver in its perfect state. The causes for knocking can be multiple and this can also be bad for your engine so it is recommended to get it checked immediately. However, the most common cause of engine knocking is putting in low-quality fuel which in turn generates a low-quality air-fuel mixture which eventually leads to knocking.
10. Popping noise in the Engine
Diagnosis: Worn-out Spark Plugs and/or clogged fuel filter
It starts with a sound—sharp, unexpected, and persistent. This kind of car engine noise makes you glance at the dashboard, maybe even lower the music. A popping noise from the engine isn’t just noise. It’s a whisper from your car, asking for attention. The reasons? A clogged fuel filter struggling to let fuel flow freely, or spark plugs that have gone bad. Sometimes, even low engine oil can turn the hum of your engine into an unsettling rhythm.
These aren’t mysteries you need to solve alone. A simple service appointment can clear the fuel filter, replace worn-out plugs, and refill the oil your engine craves. It’s about letting your car extract every ounce of power from the fuel it burns. Regular servicing isn’t just maintenance. Listen to your car. It speaks before it breaks.
Others Read: Understanding Reasons for Low Mileage in Petrol Cars
11. Hissing Sound Under the Hood
Diagnosis: Cooling System or Vacuum Leak
A hissing sound sneaks out when the engine rests. It’s not a whisper of relief but a warning. A leak in the cooling or vacuum system is likely to blame. If this sound greets you while the car is running, focus on the vacuum lines, hoses, or fittings. It’s your car’s quiet cry for attention. Look for visible leaks if you can, but don’t linger too long in diagnosis—leave it to the pros if the cause isn’t clear.
12. Low-Pitched Humming Under the Car
Diagnosis: Differential, Transmission, or Bearings
A hum, low and persistent, rises beneath the car. It doesn’t sing; it signals. It could be the differential lacking lubricant, the transmission straining, or the bearings nearing their end. Note when the sound surfaces. Is it at idle, during acceleration, or coasting downhill? These details aren’t fluff for your mechanic; they are clues to untangle the problem faster.
13. Thumping Noise from the Tyres
Diagnosis: Tyre or Wheel Bearing Issues
A thump with every turn, in rhythm with the road. First, glance at the tyres. Is there a flat spot, uneven wear, or underinflation? Misalignment can also march to this beat. If the tyres seem innocent, shift your suspicion to the wheel bearings. The noise often gains pace as you speed up. Don’t let it grow louder. It’s more than a sound, it’s a straight warning.
Also Read: 4-Cylinder Engine vs 3-Cylinder Engine | Which One Is Suitable For You?
14. Scraping or Squeaky Windshield Wipers
Diagnosis: Worn-out or Dirty Wiper Blades
Scraping wipers cut across your windshield like nails on a chalkboard. They are not cleaning, they are crying for replacement. Left unchecked, worn blades might scratch the glass, turning a small fix into an expensive regret. A squeak, on the other hand, may simply mean dirt. Clean both the windshield and blades. If the sound sticks around, it’s time to retire those wipers before they do more harm than help.
15. Flapping Noise
Diagnosis: Broken Fan Belt
A flapping sound that mimics the noise of a flat tyre but persists with properly inflated tyres often points to a broken fan belt. This is a straightforward repair and relatively inexpensive. Don’t delay fixing it, as a malfunctioning belt can impact critical engine components.
These were the 15 most common types of car noises experienced by car users. If the car’s not starting or you are experiencing any sound from your car that is listed above, feel free to contact us via any media. If your car is making a sound we haven’t mentioned here, don’t worry. We are still here to help. GoMechanic workshops are places where cars speak without words. Tools that understand. Machines that tune into the whispers of metal and rubber. Whatever’s wrong, we’ll figure it out. Your car, and your journey will soon be back on track.
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Informative article. I have a peculiar problem. My car stops on the road for a second or two and then starts running again like normal. What may be the cause of this?
Your engine is possibly missing strokes or lacking the compression ability. We request you to get it checked asap!
One of the best topics I have read in quite a while. This will help every person who loves to drive
My car makes a noise resembling a rattling noise when it starts moving and some times when the steering wheel is turned to take a turn. its intermittent and not always continuous. I would like to know the reasons
Hi Krishnaswamy,
kindly give us your contact details and an expert will get in touch with you to solve the problem asap.
Hi Go-mechanic team: Information is an informative is secondary. Recently a month back i was serviced my car at Go-mechanic service station at Hyderabad, India (Mar-2022), before service my car engine sound is smooth which is equivalent to switched-off condition if surrounding are noisy but after service recent day i am unable to cross more than 60 to 80kmph which is getting more noisy and feeling uncomfortable to accelerate the vehicle, so that keeping speed around 50 to 60kmph even if i drive in NH (National highways) which is uncomfortable as well visited to Go-mechanic station twice and their capability is questionable which they are understand my problem… I did not even faced this problem before service but now getting… what would be the reason for this? which went wrong during the service? Similar problem for break issue too!!! i was happy before service about my breaking distance whenever i was used… Now, i feel more uncomfortable and getting fearness about my breaking distance when there is a need!!!… I was so upset about this 2 issue which has not been solved as well not understandable my Go-mechanic team. Kindly involve expert to solve this issue… Regards… Tamilselvan + 91 9710415843….
Hey Tamilselvan, We have informed the team regarding your issue. Our Service Executive will be reaching out to you very soon.
When going on off road kat kay sound came from swift car back wheel area
HI GoMechanic, Last year my wagon r cng was serviced by Go Mechanic and I was told that the caliper and shocker have gone bad. I had complained of some noise. After the chainge, noise remained. I complained again but Go mechanic did not respond. Later after some time they agreed to look and told me that the noise is actually from the belt and they will change it free of cost. I got transferred to Delhi thereafter and now I ma back in Mumbai and have started using my car. The belt noise while turning and ac is back. I wonder how can a belt go bad in one year that when the car was mostly stationary. I am willing to give Go mechanic another chance.
Hi Rajeev
Please share your contact number. Let’s get in touch and sort this our for you asap!
A different voice comes when large breaker crossed by my car please suggest dignosis
Hi Ashok
It is really difficult to help you with this right here. I would suggest walking into a GoMechanic workshop near you or simply calling us at 93888-93888 so that we can pick your vehicle up for a detailed diagnosis
Hi GoMechanic, my car running sound becomes more harsh when speed goes above 60 kmph. What could be the possible causes ?
Hi Sujith
You will have to walk in to a GoMechanic garage near you for this. Else, you can also drop in your contact for me to arrange a callback for you!
I am driving a Fiat Palio 1.2 2009 model Active. When I am driving after about 50km after I slow down or increasing speed after turning at a robot there will be a bang sound (popping) in the engin two to 3 times close to each other. It is if the car is losing power when it happens, then the car will increase speed and doesn’t repeat it. What can that be. The plugs and the airfilter has been replaced quite recently but not the petrol filter.
Hey there
Looks quite complex to diagnose the exact problem right here. You will need an expert guidance on this physically in the garage
While driving my ritz, in city or in high way from behind noise appears, as if from dikki my stepni tyre is jumping, what is the cause might be?
The unknown noise can be due to a myriad of issues. The best resolution for this is to get your car inspected and renact to the same situation.
I’m facing a continuous whistling noise in my 6 month old tata altroz petrol 2.1 na.
Unable to locate the source. Any idea what could be causing this?
The sound is constant when the car is moving, no matter the ac is in or off, throttle is pressed or not..
Hi Harshar
We would need to inspect your car physically to get you the exact diagnosis. Please drop your contact number so that we can arrange a callback for you
My vehicle 2005 Dodge Durango, while driving loud sound of object hitting glass windows. It happened 3 times while driving 17 minutes to work. However nothing broken. What could it be? Please advise…
Hi Linda
You will have to get your car to a nearby garage for a physical inspection. Please do the needful
Hai I just went to buy a Tata zest 2016 XT petrol with turbo from seller , on inspecting the vehicle the mechanic told me the engine noise is more. Being a petrol engine it should not make so much noise ,when the vehicle is in stationary and engine is on.
The seller told us may be due to turbo when the vehicle slows down or picks up intially. But the turbo comes to play only in 3 rd gear and above.
There was lack of power in shifting gear from 1 st to 2nd .
Hi There
we would advise you to steer clear from any car that you feel might have a major issue. However, for any expert advice, you can always contact us!
The vehicle above had a proper company servicing record and it seemed to be well maintained , it had run only 24000 kms in 7 years.
What could be the reason for engine noise and lack of power on shifting gear from 1 st to 2 nd.
Hi there
This is quite difficult to diagnose the exact issue in the comments section without the physical inspection of the car. Request you to drop your contact number for us to call you back.
Hi
My car Renault scala rear wheel while driving 60 km speed lot of noise like flight running surrounding I feel.
Check with mechanic rear wheel bearing sound found that is the reason noise coming
Please advise
Hi Jeevraj
Please provide your contact number and we will arrange an inspection for your car
In my maruti celirio VXI car when vehicle going crass country area some sound accur in vehicle front left side then after few days same sound accur in vehicle front Right side This sound accur not continue is accur sometimes just like sound hammering sound . So please diagnosis my case
Hi There
For a detailed diagnostic, we will have to inspect your car physically. Please drop your contact number for us to call you back
Hi
I have purchased few parts from you and am impressed with cost effective parts. I am impressed with your smart advertising through catchy notifications that I get.
I have 2013 Vento and am now facing too much noise while driving. I stay in Kavali (Nellore District) Andhra Pradesh. Can you arrange to get my Car repaired in a reasonable budget, so i can keep the car running ? An immediate call/reply would be appreciated. Thank you.
Anand Reddy
7032355736
Hey Anand!
Thanks for reaching out. Our service experts will call you back on priority