Springtime means getting our cars back in shape after the long winter, and according to Meineke Car Care Centers, you'll want to pay close attention to car noises you shouldn't ignore.
Here's the list of noises Meineke says should not be ignored as they can indicate a serious problem:
- Clunking or thumping: It can mean a defective universal joint, prop shaft, or rear differential.
- Heavy knocking or pounding from the engine/drive train: Worn crankshaft bearings, bad connecting rods or loose bolts in the automatic gearbox torque converter.
- Pinking or pinging: The fuel you are using is too low quality for your engine. This can be easily remedied by switching to a higher-octane fuel, or have the ignition timing checked.
- Metallic screeching or scraping: A sign of worn brake pads.
- Squealing: A loose fan belt or loose fan/air conditioning compressor belt.
- Thudding or thumping: A loose pulley or loose exhaust pipe.
- Low-pitched rumble: Wheel-bearing wear.
- A ticking which increases in speed as the engine is revved: Non-lubricated tappets due to low or dirty oil.
- Whining: Differential or transmission wear.
Any of these causes can seriously affect your car's performance -- and your family's safety.
To put any fears about your car's safety to rest, be sure to stop in at a repair garage for an inspection.
