What Are the Types and Causes of Car Abnormal Noises?
3 Answers
Car abnormal noises can be categorized into body noise, suspension noise, tire noise, engine guard noise, engine compartment noise, and transmission noise. Body Noise: This issue is usually caused by insufficient body stiffness, leading to deformation during driving, resulting in friction or shaking between the door and the frame, or friction between steel plates due to welding failures in some areas. Suspension Noise: If you hear a "thud" or "click" sound near the four wheels when encountering bumps, it is mostly due to shock absorber problems or loose suspension components. Be sure to have it thoroughly checked at a professional repair shop. Tire Noise: Tire noise is rhythmic, and the frequency increases with speed. If you hear a dull "thumping" sound, it is likely caused by tire tread deformation, bulging, severe wear, or insufficient tire pressure.
I usually enjoy studying the mechanical structures of cars. When it comes to types of abnormal noises, the most common ones include a squeaking sound from the engine area (possibly due to loose or worn belts), a clunking noise when turning (indicating bad suspension ball joints or gaps), and brake squealing (caused by excessive wear or lack of lubrication). Additionally, sounds from the drivetrain, such as a whining noise during gear shifts (due to bearing issues or low oil levels), and even rattling from loose interior parts should not be ignored. The causes are mostly due to aging components, looseness, insufficient lubrication, or friction and vibrations caused by design flaws. When you hear abnormal noises while driving daily, first try to pinpoint the location. If it's from the engine area, check the belt tension; if it's from the chassis, inspect the tightness of the suspension connections. If left unattended, minor issues can escalate into major problems, affecting safety. It's best to visit a repair shop promptly for a check-up rather than relying solely on online advice. While DIY fixes might seem simple, safety should always come first.
As someone who frequently commutes by car, I've encountered various types of car noises. In terms of types, the most common is the piercing screech when braking (severe wear of brake pads or discs), creaking from the suspension area when turning (aging or loose rubber bushings), and the ticking sound after engine startup (possibly due to excessive valve clearance or oil pressure issues). Other common noises include the whining of the driveshaft during acceleration or rattling from interior plastic parts due to bumps. The main causes are component fatigue, wear, or improper installation. Every time I hear these noises, I get nervous, fearing they might affect handling, especially since brake noises at high speeds can extend stopping distances, which is very dangerous. It's advisable to have technicians lubricate key components during regular maintenance to prevent issues. Addressing noises early can save a lot of money in the long run.
