Why Does the Car Make a Hissing Sound While Driving?
2 Answers
There are several possible reasons why a car makes a hissing sound while driving. Below is relevant information regarding noises heard while driving: 1. Normal Noises: When a car is operating, vibrations from various mechanisms can produce different types of sounds. However, not all noises indicate a fault. Normal vibrations (such as engine surface noise), gear impact sounds during gear shifts, intake and exhaust noises from gas-powered sources, and gear meshing sounds are all considered normal. 2. Abnormal Noises: Abnormal noises (or unusual sounds) can be categorized based on their impact on the car's performance into minor, moderate, and severe noises. Minor noises, such as sparking from high-voltage leakage or slight looseness in rolling bearings, are generally low in volume and do not indicate significant wear. These issues may not require immediate repair and the car can continue to operate normally. 3. Response Measures: If unusual noises occur while driving, the car should be taken to a professional automotive after-sales service center for inspection as soon as possible.
A hissing sound from a car while driving is often a cause for concern. I've encountered this situation several times, and it's usually due to minor mechanical issues. The most common cause is a loose or worn serpentine belt, which produces noise as it rubs against the pulley when rotating. Another possibility is a loose exhaust pipe joint leaking gas, resulting in a hissing sound when the car speeds up. Additionally, if brake pads are obstructed by debris or wear unevenly, they may emit such noise during braking. Aging suspension rubber bushings can also cause friction noises between components. Moreover, a damaged wheel bearing can produce a continuous metallic grinding sound from the friction of the bearing balls. I recommend starting with a simple check—turn off the air conditioning to see if the sound disappears. If it persists, it's best to visit a repair shop for a tool-assisted diagnosis to prevent the issue from worsening. The repair cost is generally not high.
