What Causes a Car to Make Intermittent Abnormal Noises?
4 Answers
When a car makes intermittent abnormal noises, it indicates an issue in a certain part of the vehicle, triggering the electronic alarm system to issue a warning. If no warning light is displayed on the dashboard, it may be related to the following three situations: Seatbelt not fastened: If the seatbelts in the driver or front passenger seats are not fastened, the car will emit a beeping sound as a reminder. Handbrake not fully released: A beeping sound will occur while driving if the handbrake is not completely released. Multimedia function not turned off: If the car has an automatic WIFI search function and fails to connect, it may also emit a beeping sound. When abnormal noises are accompanied by a warning light on the dashboard, it may be related to the following three situations: Overheating engine coolant: If the coolant temperature is too high, the car will emit a beeping sound. The dashboard warning light does not display the coolant level but only the temperature. Once the coolant temperature warning light comes on, it indicates insufficient antifreeze in the radiator. Low tire pressure: The car has electronic components that monitor the tires. If a tire is leaking or has low pressure, the information will be sent to the alarm system. Insufficient engine oil: Low engine oil levels can affect the operation of car components. Without proper lubrication, wear and tear will increase, potentially leading to damage. If oil pressure is insufficient, the alarm system will issue a warning.
I also encountered the issue of my car squeaking intermittently last time and specifically consulted a mechanic. It could be due to loose or cracked belts, especially the alternator belt and air conditioning compressor belt, which experience periodic stress during operation, causing intermittent abnormal noises. Another possibility is wear in the ball joints or links of the suspension system, with problems often becoming noticeable on bumpy roads. Brake pads with trapped stones or uneven wear can also produce sharp, rhythmic friction noises when the wheels rotate. Additionally, stones stuck in the tire treads can create a rhythmic tapping sound while driving. I recommend noting when the noise occurs—whether after a cold start or when the engine is warm, uphill or on flat roads—to help the repair shop diagnose the issue more quickly.
It sounds like a belt or bearing issue. If the alternator belt tensioner pulley isn't spinning smoothly, it can cause intermittent squeaking noises. A faulty wheel hub bearing will produce a periodic humming sound when the wheel rotates. Also check the cooling fan - unbalanced fan blades can create knocking sounds upon startup. The exhaust system is often overlooked; metal components may tap against the chassis due to thermal expansion and contraction. Try keeping the engine running while parked to locate the noise source - if the abnormal sound becomes particularly noticeable when the AC compressor engages, it's likely a clutch problem with the compressor.
I suspect it's caused by a loose component vibrating. When door seals age, they can squeak as the door moves. Items not secured in the glove box may produce rhythmic knocking sounds when driving over bumps. An unsecured spare tire in the trunk is more common – it'll clunk during every turn. Exhaust pipe hanger rubber deteriorates over time, leading to resonance at specific RPMs. The most elusive issue could be wiper linkage problems, producing mechanical tapping sounds between wiping cycles. Remember to check both interior and exterior for small loose parts that sway with vehicle movement – these often overlooked items are usually the root cause.
