What is the reason for the abnormal noise at low car speeds that disappears when the speed increases?
3 Answers
The reason for the abnormal noise at low car speeds that disappears when the speed increases may be caused by the vehicle's brake system not returning to position properly or aging issues in the vehicle's suspension system. There are three maintenance methods for the vehicle: When starting the car cold, allow the vehicle to idle for one and a half minutes to give it a warm-up period. At the initial start-up, the engine's internal temperature does not reach the normal operating temperature. The normal temperature is indicated when the coolant gauge reaches 90 degrees. The car may shake, and the engine noise may be loud. While driving, avoid lugging the engine. When the engine starts to shake, downshift promptly. Lugging the engine can cause excessive pressure, insufficient power, incomplete combustion of gasoline, and carbon buildup in the injectors, which can affect the engine's lifespan. Protect the chassis. The chassis is the part of the car closest to the ground and is highly susceptible to damage from road objects during driving. Therefore, regularly inspect the chassis to prevent excessive damage from external objects.
This is a common issue. From handling many vehicles, I've found that the main cause of low-speed abnormal noises is likely worn wheel hub bearings. It produces a humming sound during low-speed turns or acceleration because the low RPM exposes the friction; the noise disappears when speed increases as wind noise masks it. Another possibility is loose or worn brake pads, which create squeaking sounds from friction during low-speed braking, while high-speed inertia reduces the friction. Sometimes, aging suspension components like shock absorber bushings can also cause this, with noticeable vibration noises during low-speed bumps that get masked by high-speed stability. Don't ignore it—early inspection is advised: lift the car and rotate the wheels to listen for sounds or use tools to measure bearing clearance; replace brake pads if thickness is below 2mm; check suspension bushings for aging cracks. Regular maintenance can extend component lifespan, such as lubricating bearings every 20,000 km. This prevents potential risks while driving.
My car had a similar issue before. There was always a squeaking sound at low speeds, especially when turning or starting, but it disappeared when driving faster. I checked it myself and found out that the brake pads were severely worn. At low speeds, the friction between the brake disc and pads was loud, while at high speeds, the wind pressure covered the noise. Another time, it was due to a loose chassis guard plate, which made noise when bumping at low speeds but was pressed down by airflow at high speeds. A friend also mentioned that rusty wheel bearings could cause the same issue—once the speed increases, the wheels rotate smoothly and become quiet. I suggest you check the simpler parts yourself: inspect the brake pad thickness or record the sound with your phone. A professional inspection at a shop only costs around a hundred bucks. Don’t delay, or it might damage more components and affect safety.
