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Why Am I Hearing Weird Car Noises? Are They Common? When Should I See a Mechanic?

May 23, 2022

Hearing Weird Car Noises | ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA. Image of a male driver trying to figure out what’s the noise he is hearing inside his car.

Let’s face it—cars are complicated. Each one has roughly 30,000 parts, many of them of the moving variety. This may begin to explain why you hear car noises. 

While even the quietest vehicles in Fairfax, VA will make certain car noises, it’s important to know which ones are weird vs. common car noises. Fortunately, the experienced mechanic at ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA can help.

At ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA, our mechanics are regularly asked about common car noises, what they mean, and when one should be concerned. First and foremost, you should always be concerned when you hear weird car noises from your vehicle.

However, some car noises may be more concerning than others. Let’s look at a few common car noises and when you may want to visit ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA.

Are You Hearing Audible Squealing Car Noises at Ignition?

When you start your car, your engine roars to life and prepares to get you on the road. But if you hear a squealing or squeaking sound on startup, you might be hearing the sound of a serpentine belt on the verge of failure. 

Most of the time, it’s not an emergency. But you should bring your car to our shop in Fairfax, VA at the earliest opportunity.

Do You Hear Whining Car Noises When You Turn?

Have you ever wondered why turning your 4,000+ pound vehicle is so easy? It’s because your vehicle uses a power steering system to help you turn and maneuver. If you hear a whining or squeaking car noise when you turn, your power steering system is telling you something’s not right.

In many instances, our mechanics can remedy these common car noises with the addition of a power steering fluid. In other cases, there may be a leak within the power steering system or a failing pump. The mechanics at ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA can help in either case.

Knocking or Pinging Car Noises Under the Hood

Car engines are an amazing piece of engineering. They harness the power of thousands of small explosions every minute to get you where you want to go. 

The trouble is those explosions have to happen with split-second timing. When they don’t, you might hear a knocking or pinging sound coming from under the hood of your car. Needless to say, this isn’t a noise you’ll want to ignore unless you’d like to end up needing a replacement engine.

A Plinking Sound Like a Change-filled Washing Machine

Before you start wondering if you’ve gone mad, you’re not the only person to hear what sounds like a washing machine full of loose change when you drive your car. It happens more often than you think. It’s usually the sound of a wheel bolt coming loose and banging around behind a hubcap. 

Fortunately, each tire has multiple bolts holding it on. Still, you’ll want to pull over and re-tighten the missing bolt before you continue driving.

Contact ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA for Help Identifying Strange Car Noises

There’s an endless array of good and ominous car noises you may hear on a drive. However, unless it’s the sound of your engine performing as it should, almost every other sound should be cause for concern. Fortunately, the mechanic at ABS Unlimited in Fairfax, VA can help.

Contact ABS Unlimited today by calling (703) 352-7770 or completing an online appointment form. If you’re in the area, don’t hesitate to stop in to see us. We are conveniently located at 3215 Old Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031.