What Causes Abnormal Noises When a Car is Running?
4 Answers
Abnormal noises during car operation occur due to the numerous components in a vehicle, which can experience aging, loosening, or mechanical issues. Below are specific explanations: 1. Aging or loosening of car parts: Noises can be caused by the engine guard plate, especially metal ones. These are often due to minor undercarriage scrapes that deform the guard plate, leading to collisions and friction between the exhaust pipe and the guard plate when accelerating or driving on bumpy roads. Additionally, excessive engine valve clearance, wear, or aging of engine belts or pulleys can also produce abnormal noises. 2. Mechanical component issues: If abnormal noises are heard while driving, it's advisable to stop and inspect the vehicle to ensure everything is normal before continuing. Particularly loud noises, especially those coming from the engine area, should prompt immediate cessation of driving. These noises typically indicate mechanical problems, and continuing to drive could damage the vehicle or compromise safety.
There are quite a few reasons why a car makes abnormal noises while driving. I've encountered this several times and summarized some common issues. For example, uneven tire pressure can cause a humming sound; severely worn brake pads produce obvious squeaking noises when braking; problems with the suspension system, like a broken shock absorber, result in clunking sounds on bumpy roads; loose transmission components, such as failed wheel bearings, create louder noises at high speeds; and exhaust system leaks cause hissing sounds during acceleration. I recommend pulling over to a flat area immediately to check. Abnormal noises vary by situation: sounds during turns might indicate suspension issues, while noises during acceleration could point to engine belt problems. Safety first—don’t let minor issues escalate. Visit a professional shop for diagnosis as soon as possible.
Last time I drove, I heard a strange noise, a squeaking sound that was quite annoying. Later, I found out it was because the brake pads had worn thin. Strange noises can originate from different parts: if it occurs at low speeds on bumpy roads, it might be due to loose shock absorbers or chassis screws; if there's a humming sound at higher speeds, it could be tire wear or wheel balance issues; a sharp noise during emergency braking is definitely a brake warning. I saw a similar issue with a friend's car, and it turned out to be a small stone stuck in the wheel. A simple self-check method: pull over and shake the wheel to listen for any looseness. However, for complex issues, it's more reliable to leave them to a technician to avoid driving risks.
Tire issues are a common cause of unusual noises. Insufficient or excessive air pressure can cause a humming sound while driving; uneven tire wear or embedded small stones can result in a tapping noise during rolling; poor wheel balance can lead to vibration and noise at high speeds. Remember to regularly check tire pressure and tread depth, as neglecting these can affect handling and even lead to blowouts. Don't underestimate these issues—address them promptly to avoid worse problems.
