What causes sudden sharp noises while driving a car?
2 Answers
Here are the possible reasons for sudden sharp noises while driving a car: 1. Noise occurs on low-speed bumpy roads: It could be caused by items in the storage compartments, glove box, or loose wiring of aftermarket electronic devices. Check the storage compartments, center console, and the nose pads of sunglasses in the glasses case, as well as whether the wiring of the aftermarket dashcam is loose. 2. Reason two: If the noise occurs at both low and high speeds, and the frequency increases with speed, it indicates an issue with the drivetrain. Inspect external drivetrain components such as tires and CV joints. 3. Reason three: The noise is irregular and unrelated to vehicle speed, sounding like tapping from outside the car.
I've experienced sudden screeching noises while driving a few times. Last time on the highway during a business trip, there was this loud metallic scraping sound - I immediately slowed down and pulled over. Turned out the brake pads were completely worn down, with the metal backing plate grinding directly against the rotor. Another time, a small rock got stuck in the tire tread, creating an extremely sharp noise as it rubbed against the asphalt. Loose or cracked belts can also cause similar issues, especially when using AC or turning the steering wheel. Loose components in the chassis may produce strange vibrating sounds too. This demands immediate attention - the safest approach is to pull over right away for inspection, paying special attention to tires and brakes. Continuing to drive could easily lead to serious trouble.