What to Do When There's a Metallic Scraping Sound Under the Car While Driving?
2 Answers
Prompt inspection and repair are necessary. Below are the causes and solutions for abnormal noises in cars: 1. Brake Noise: Brakes are a crucial and frequently used component of a car. Over time, various issues can arise, leading to different sounds. Common causes include excessive iron content in brake pads, worn-out brake pads, or foreign objects on the brake disc. Solution: Replace the brake pads with new ones. 2. Tire Noise: Tires undergo the most wear during driving. Over time, tires may produce abnormal noises, which increase in frequency with speed. This usually indicates a problem with the tires. Solution: Stop the car and inspect carefully, removing any foreign objects to prevent long-term damage to the tires. 3. Bearing Noise: While driving, pressure bearings can crack or get damaged due to road conditions, leading to a 'clunking' sound on bumpy roads. Severe cases may cause wheel misalignment. Aging bearings can also produce a 'humming' noise, which worsens with speed. Solution: Visit a nearby repair shop promptly to replace the wheel hub bearing.
I had a similar experience before, driving an old car on the highway when suddenly I heard a clanking noise, like metal scraping the ground. I immediately pulled over and used my phone's flashlight to check under the chassis. It turned out that the screws on the underbody shield had loosened, with half of it hanging down and dragging on the road. Such issues are often caused by potholes or aging chassis components. I found a wrench and tightened it back, and the noise disappeared instantly. If left unaddressed, the shield could wear out completely and even damage the fuel lines or wiring, leading to higher repair costs. My advice is to stop and check simple areas like the exhaust pipe or underbody shield for any displacement as soon as you hear unusual sounds. Fix it yourself if possible, or head to a professional repair shop immediately.
