As Halloween approaches, spooky things can happen to your car too! Some of the eerie noises that cars make can be just as unnerving as ghost stories, but unlike a haunted house, these sounds usually mean something is wrong. Ignoring them could turn a minor issue into a full-blown automotive nightmare. Let’s dive into the top 5 spooky noises your car should never make—and what they could be warning you about.
1. Screeching or Squealing When You Brake
You’re cruising down the road, everything is fine, and then—SCREEEEECH—you press the brake pedal, and it sounds like something from a horror movie. This high-pitched noise is often a sign that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. Brake pads have built-in wear indicators that produce a squealing sound when they’re nearing the end of their life. Don’t ignore it, or your brakes could fail when you need them most.
What to Do: Schedule a brake inspection immediately. Worn brake pads can damage other components and increase stopping distance, putting you at risk.
2. Growling or Roaring Under the Hood
If your car suddenly sounds like a roaring monster when you accelerate, it could indicate a problem with your exhaust system. A growling noise can result from a hole in the exhaust pipe or a malfunctioning muffler. Not only does this sound spooky, but it can also make your car less fuel-efficient and increase emissions.
What to Do: Have a professional inspect your exhaust system. A damaged exhaust can lead to poor performance and fail emissions tests.
3. Rattling from Beneath the Car
A rattling sound from underneath your car, especially when driving over bumps or rough terrain, can feel like a skeleton’s bones clattering. This sound is often caused by loose or broken components, such as exhaust parts, suspension issues, or even a loose heat shield. The problem could range from minor to severe, so it’s important to get it checked out.
What to Do: Bring your car to a trusted mechanic to have the undercarriage inspected. Ignoring it could cause further damage or even affect the vehicle's handling.
4. Whining or Whirring When Turning the Steering Wheel
Does your car make a ghostly whining sound when you turn the steering wheel? That spooky noise might be telling you something’s off with your power steering system. Low power steering fluid or a failing power steering pump are common culprits. Left unchecked, it could lead to more difficult steering or even total loss of power steering.
What to Do: Check the power steering fluid levels and refill if necessary. If the noise persists, have a professional check the power steering pump or other components.
5. Clunking or Banging in the Engine Bay
If you hear loud clunking, knocking, or banging noises coming from your engine, it’s time to stop the car and call for help. This could mean there’s an issue with the engine’s internal components—like connecting rods or pistons—or even low oil levels. Engine damage is no joke, and the longer you wait, the more expensive the repair could be.
What to Do: Check your oil level right away. If the noise continues, don’t drive the car until a professional mechanic inspects it. Driving with an internal engine issue can lead to catastrophic failure.
Don’t Let the Noises Haunt You!
While spooky noises might seem like a minor inconvenience, they are often the first sign of something more serious. At Old Town Auto Service, we’re experts at diagnosing and fixing the noises that make your car feel haunted. Whether it’s a squeaky brake, a rattling suspension, or a growling engine, our ASE-certified technicians are ready to keep your car in tip-top shape—no ghost stories here!
Book an appointment today, and let us help you silence those spooky sounds before they become a real horror show.
Stay safe on the roads this Halloween season!