It’s easy to get preoccupied with where you are going and whether or not you’ll be on time or if you’ve remembered everything you need when you’re driving. As the driver, you need to pay attention to the sounds and noises your car makes, and identify any unusual sounds that may be your vehicle’s way of telling you it is in need of repair. Your Clearwater area Acura dealer offers the following explanations for common car noises:
Knock, Knock, Knock
Does it sound like someone is under the hood knocking to get out?! Knocking sounds generally come from the engine or drive train and can indicate several different problems that require maintenance, including: worn crankshaft bearings, low oil, loose gearbox bolts, or bad connecting rods.
Grinding Sounds – Like Metal on Metal
A high pitched squeal or the sound of metal against metal is generally the sound of your brakes screaming for help. When you hear these sounds you should schedule an appointment with your Clearwater area Acura service department to have your brakes and brake pads replaced. It is a warning sign that your car is using bare metal to stop, rather than the brakes and pads.
Screaming or Squealing When You Start Your Car
A high pitched squeal or scream-like sound under the hood when you start your car generally indicates you have a worn or loose belt inside. It may be an air compressor belt or a fan belt. Either way, it needs to be replaced.
Thumping and Clunking Around Corners
When you turn a corner and hear a thumping or clunking sound around the wheels it could be a sign that the vehicle’s universal joints need replacing. Other possible problems that thumping and clunking sounds may indicate include rear differential issues or prop shaft problems.
Ticking Sound During Idling or Acceleration
If your car makes a ticking sound when you sit with the engine on or when you accelerate, it’s generally a sign that your oil needs to be changed. If changing the oil doesn’t eliminate the ticking sound, visit a mechanic to check the tappets. Ticking sounds in the engine that are not eliminated with an oil change can mean the tappets are not being lubricated correctly with the oil.
Schedule Maintenance with the Clearwater Area Acura Service Center
Unusual car noises should not be ignored when you are driving. They are often the first warning sign for problems and should result in scheduling an appointment for maintenance before the problem becomes more expensive and troublesome to fix.
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