What Causes a Squeaking Sound When Starting a Car?
4 Answers
The causes of abnormal noise when starting a car may include rusted brake discs, aging chassis, or foreign objects stuck in the wheels. Rusted Brake Discs: This abnormal noise could be coming from the braking system. In southern regions, where the climate is humid and rainy during spring and autumn, prolonged driving in such conditions can gradually cause the brake discs to rust. Foreign Objects Stuck in Wheels: Abnormal noise when starting the car. At this time, the noise may be caused by foreign objects stuck in the tread of the wheels, such as screws, stones, or other hard objects. Removing these foreign objects from the wheels can resolve the noise issue. Chassis Issues: This is one of the most common faults. Many cars develop aging suspension components after being used for a certain period. At this point, some supporting parts in the suspension gradually fail, causing the chassis to make abnormal noises when the car starts.
Last time my car made a noise when starting, especially noticeable during cold starts in the morning. It turned out to be rust on the brake discs sticking to the brake pads, causing a 'bang' sound when releasing the brake to start. This is more common in humid weather or after parking overnight. It's not a major issue, as driving a few rounds can wear off the rust. However, if the noise persists or there's a metallic grinding sound, it could indicate severely worn brake pads or a stuck caliper, which needs immediate attention. Another possibility is aging suspension bushings causing noise during vehicle vibrations, making regular suspension system maintenance crucial. Never ignore these issues, as small problems can accumulate over time and affect driving safety. I recommend ensuring the parking spot is dry after each car wash to prevent sticking.
It's quite common to hear strange noises when starting the car, and I've encountered it several times. Once, I found it was caused by slight friction between the tires and the road surface, especially on smooth roads or with aged tires, which can easily produce a single noise. Additionally, loose shock absorbers or stabilizer bars in the suspension system can also cause brief noises during the initial movement of the vehicle, particularly in older cars with more wear. This isn't usually a big deal, as most cases are due to normal wear and tear, but if accompanied by shaking, it should be taken seriously. I always emphasize prevention as the priority, regularly checking the tightness of chassis bolts to avoid accidents caused by loose parts. By the way, automatic transmission cars sometimes make noises when the gearshift mechanism operates, which is part of the normal design, but if the noises are frequent, it's time to visit the repair shop.
When I was a beginner learning to drive, I always heard a sound when starting the car and thought it was broken. Later, I realized there could be various reasons. It might be due to brake adhesion caused by moisture, resulting in a popping sound when releasing after parking; or it could be due to aging engine mounts causing noise from vibrations. Occasionally hearing it once or twice is no big deal, but if it happens every time, it needs to be checked. I recommend a self-test method: repeat starting the car a few times, and if the sound lessens, it's a minor issue. Proper maintenance can prevent this, such as regular short-distance driving.
