Car Sounds and What the Issue Could Be

Even the most carefully maintained vehicle can make concerning noises. Paying attention to those noises and having them checked out early may save you money in the long run. Our service department at Nissan of McKinney loves helping customers diagnose and fix these issues to get their vehicles purring down the road again. Here are some of the most common noises to keep an ear out for and some possible causes.

Squeaky Brakes

Brakes may squeak for many different reasons. Some are more serious than others, but most should be checked out by a professional. Many parts in a braking system are designed to wear out over time and be serviced or replaced. A little dust or excess moisture may be the cause, but your safety is too important to let any persistent squeak go undiagnosed for long.

Engine Rattling

Often, with an engine rattling sound, the degree of tension on a belt may be the culprit, typically fixed with a quick adjustment. Alternatively, this sound could be indicating an issue related to premature ignition. Any rattling sound can be a sign of an urgently needed repair.

Engine Clicking

One of the most common causes of engine clicking is dirty or low oil levels. Make sure to have the oil and filter changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Additional issues with the electrical system, suspension, or air conditioning may indicate more severe issues.

Knocking from under the hood

Do not ignore any knocking coming from under the hood, as this could be a serious problem. It could be from bad fuel, bad spark plugs, worn timing belt, or something deep inside the engine. Make sure to use fuel with the proper octane rating for your vehicle, but once a knocking sound develops, it likely needs urgent attention.

Engine Squealing

The most common source of engine squealing in modern vehicles is a worn serpentine belt. It could come from a number of different belts, pulleys, and other parts that wear out over time in older vehicles. Whatever the cause, these noises should be checked out sooner than later.

Please contact us today to diagnose and service the strange sound coming from your vehicle. At Nissan of McKinney, you can be confident our dependable and affordable customer service reputation is well-earned.