Nothing’s more concerning than something sounding like it’s having a party under the hood of your car, especially if you don’t remember inviting anyone. Strange sounds can be worrying if you don’t know whether what’s causing them is going to put you at risk or not.
Often the reasons for unusual sounds coming from your car are easily fixable and have little cause for alarm, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry by getting your vehicle checked over by a mechanic to fix the root of the problem.
Grinding
If you can detect a grinding noise whilst changing gear, this could mean that your clutch is worn or that it is in need of adjusting. This is usually identifiable when it feels as though the clutch is slipping when you apply pressure.
Grinding can also be the root of a deeper problem with your transmission that may have suffered internal damage. This could have been caused by not maintaining proper fluid levels or failing to change the fluid regularly.
Clicking
Clicking whilst turning your car could be a sign that your brake pads are loose or that perhaps there’s a hard object caught between the brake pads and the rotor. Brake pads are usually secured to the brake calliper seat, but if they become loose then this causes them to rattle up and down which can cause a clicking sound.
Squealing
Squealing is a sign that there is a problem with your alternator, usually a loose drive belt or drive pulley. If it is a problem with the steering belts, then you’re more likely to hear the noise whilst turning, whilst the alternator belts tend to sound during acceleration.
However, if the squealing occurs when you apply the brakes, this is another indicator that your brake pads are worn or glazed due to overheating.
Popping
The sound of popping coming from the engine could indicate that your air and fuel filters are clogged, or that water has leaked into the gasoline. Problems with your engine will definitely need to be taken in to be checked by a mechanic, but the problem isn’t usually very severe.
However, if the popping is coming from the back of your vehicle, this could mean that there is a hole in your exhaust which is causing a leak.
All these problems are fixable if caught in time, which is why it’s important to get unfamiliar sounds checked over by a professional so that it doesn’t cause any further damage or expense. At CWS 4×4, we supply Land Rover spares and other parts for a range of 4×4 vehicles, so if you do need a part replaced then we can provide you with the necessary components to keep your vehicle in full working order. For any enquiries about our products or services, you can contact us at 01458 834 930 for further information.