Whether you drive your vehicle every day or a few times a week, you’re likely familiar with the normal noise of the engine purring along or the satisfying sound of gears changing as you accelerate on the highway.
However, if your vehicle emits an ear-piercing squeak or squeal while driving, then it should be obvious that something isn't right. Our team at Huffines Chevrolet in Lewisville, Texas, has made this list of potential car issues that can cause squeaking or squealing sounds. If you notice any of them, contact us right away.
Do Vehicles Normally Have Squeaking or Squealing Sounds?
Vehicles don’t normally make squealing or squeaking noises when they're running as they should. Each system in your vehicle is made with precision parts and should only make the normal sounds you hear coming from a motor or engine. While some odd sounds may be minor, others could be signs that something serious is wrong or about to go wrong. That’s why it’s essential to have us look at your vehicle if it starts making unfamiliar noises. Let’s explore the potential issues causing your car to emit uncomfortable squealing or squeaking sounds.
Noises When Turning the Ignition
On starting your vehicle, you should only hear the engine turning over and the radio come on if you left it tuned to your favorite radio station. However, if you hear a distinctive squealing sound, there might be an issue with the serpentine belt or one of the other belts that run the engine system. The serpentine belt runs the alternator, power steering pump, and heating and air conditioning system. If it's worn or frayed, it could break, leaving you without the use of these vital systems. A squeaking belt needs replacement as soon as possible.
Odd Sounds When You’re Turning the Steering Wheel
The serpentine belt helps run the power steering system, and if it's damaged, you’ll have issues with the whole system. In addition, if the power steering pump is wearing out or needs fluid, you’ll hear a nasty squealing sound coming from the engine compartment. Because the serpentine belt and power steering system work together to turn and maneuver your vehicle, it becomes unsafe to drive if either is compromised. Schedule service as soon as possible to have us repair the power steering system.
Squeaking Noises When You Step on the Brakes
The brakes on your vehicle are essential for stopping the car when needed. You must have good working brakes at all times to ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and anyone else on the road. If the brakes feel soft, or you hear a squeaking sound, it's a sign that a part is worn thin or about to break.
As part of your routine maintenance, our service technicians inspect the brake pads and brake discs for signs of wear. If the wear levels are below the safety threshold, we’ll recommend replacing them with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts we carry at our dealership in Lewisville, Texas. If you haven’t had your brakes inspected in a while, and you hear squealing, bring them to us as soon as possible so we can get new brake parts installed to ensure safe stopping power for your vehicle.
Unusual Sounds When You Drive Over Uneven Terrain
Squeaks and squeals that come from under your vehicle, especially when driving on rough roads or over potholes, indicate an issue with the suspension system. This system, which is made up of shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, bushings, and more, helps give the vehicle a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing bumps. It also helps prevent damage to other systems in your vehicle.
If you hear squeaking, it may mean a suspension part is broken or worn thin, resulting in a metal-on-metal sound. It could also mean the system needs lubrication. As part of regular maintenance, our service technicians inspect all parts of the suspension system and lubricate it with approved products and materials. Preventive lubrication is far less costly than having to replace expensive suspension or steering system parts.
Squealing When Running the Engine
If you notice an odd noise when the engine is idling or running, it could be the alternator pulley. The alternator helps create electricity for the car’s electrical system, and if it's compromised, the system will fail to start the engine, run crucial systems, and deprive the car of functional lights or windshield wipers. Additional signs of a bad alternator include flickering or inconsistent light from the headlights, difficulty starting the car, and a low or dead battery.
If the alternator begins to whine, or your car exhibits any signs of electrical failure, our service technicians can generally fix it by replacing one of the alternator pulley’s bearings, replacing the belt, or if necessary, putting in a new alternator.
A Whistling Sound When Running the Car
If you hear a whistling sound while the car is running, it could be overheating due to a lack of coolant, or an issue with the radiator or cooling system. As the coolant and fluids in the system begin to overheat, they let out steam and create a whistling sound similar to heating water in a tea kettle. If you notice this sound, stop the vehicle and call a tow truck. Overheating the engine can cause it to seize up and cause extensive and expensive damage.
Is Your Vehicle Making a Squeaking Sound?
If your vehicle is making any kind of squeaking or squealing sounds, schedule service with us at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville, Texas, as soon as possible. The sooner the issue's fixed, the better your vehicle will run and the longer it'll last. When we make repairs or perform routine maintenance, we only use OEM parts to ensure the part precisely fits your specific Chevrolet model and trim. explore our various service specials for discounts and coupons or contact us to learn more about our services.
gray and black engine by Chad Kirchoff is licensed with Unsplash License