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What’s That Sound? 5 Sounds Your Vehicle Should Not Make

Roberta Willson • February 15, 2022

Turn your music or podcast down and listen to your car. Do you hear a weird sound and are not sure what it is? Some sounds can be caused by road noise or are normal for your vehicle but what noises should you pay attention to and take to a mechanic for further inspection? It is important to be aware of your vehicle noises to know what is normal and when it is time to get it looked at. Below is a list of some (not all) of the noises you will want to have looked at by a professional. 


   1.Squeals 


A short squeal, especially right after you start your vehicle but before starting driving might mean you have to replace your serpentine belt. This type of repair should be relatively simple and inexpensive so there is no excuse for putting this issue off. A constant squeal can also mean you have issues with other components like pulleys, tensioners, or your wheels.


   2. Whining, howling, and groaning


No I am not talking about the kids in the backseat. These whines, howls, and groans are sometimes hard to find exactly where they are coming from and therefore hard to fix. If you hear these sounds, you should check a few places in and around your vehicle. 


If you’re hearing a whirring sound and it gets louder around 30 mph, it could be your tires crying for help. Cupped tires or “scalloping” appears as random uneven wear. It is caused by worn-out shocks or struts, misalignment, or other suspension issues.


Wheel bearings or axle bearings will make a very similar sound by starting shortly after you start driving and growing louder as you go faster. Wheel bearings are responsible for your wheels spinning, so if you hear this sound, it is important to take your vehicle to a mechanic. If you don’t, the whirring will become a grinding sound and the bearings can melt. A failed wheel bearing can also cause damage to a front axle – adding to the amount of your repair. 


If you hear a more hollow groan, this can be caused by low fluid levels in the differential. First thing to check is the differential fluid. If that’s not done soon enough, you may have to have  the differential or bearings replaced, which can be expensive.


   3. Passenger Compartment Rattling


Most likely it is not coming from your actual glove compartment but actually something coming loose under your vehicle. The good news is that this noise is one of the easier ones to diagnose since there are not that many components under the passenger compartment. When you hear rattling in this area it is usually the result of a loose exhaust assembly piece like a hanger, heat shield, or clamp. This is most common in snowy climates and as long as your exhaust isn’t leaking, it is fairly inexpensive.


   4. Hissing


Could be snakes, could be something else. If you are not living in a snake infested area, it is most likely a leak either in the cooling system or vacuum line. If it is the cooling system, overheating will be your concern and if it is the vacuum line drivability and fuel-economy will be your issue. Basically, if you hear hissing, you will want to bring your vehicle to your local mechanic. 


   5. Growling 


No matter where it comes from, we can agree that growling is never a good thing to hear. When it is coming from the vehicle you are driving, it can be especially concerning. If you are driving and hear growling while you are making a turn, check your power steering fluid. This is an easy fix but if you leave it unattended, it could turn into a costly replacement.


If you notice any of these sounds or something else, do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to R. H. Willson - our experienced mechanics will take a look at your vehicle.



A Thanksgiving Tradition: Macy’s Day Parade

By Roberta Willson • November 25, 2024
One of this country's most celebrated Thanksgiving traditions is the Macy’s Day Parade! I am sure you are excited about the floats, the entertainers, and the celebrities, but what about all the trucks that these floats are towed with and the numbers behind them? Here are just four fun facts from the Macy’s Day Parade.

10 of the Best Vehicles from Films Over the Years

By Roberta Willson • September 9, 2024
Cars play a significant role in movies, they change how the film is viewed and enjoyed. We have compiled a list of 10 movies with some of the best or iconic vehicles of their time.

Getting Your Car Ready: Summer Vs. Winter

By Roberta Willson • May 15, 2024
There are many differences from the winter months to summertime and I am not just talking about the weather! Your car reacts differently and therefore needs to be taken care of differently. Here are 5 items to check when switching your vehicle from the winter to the summer months.

Fuel Economy by Season

By Jason Pelland • February 8, 2024
Just like us, our vehicles operate a little differently based on the season and temperatures outside. Here in New England, we get all kinds of weather but what does that mean for your car and getting the best gas mileage by the season. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your fuel economy, all year long!

What to do when you bring a car to the salvage yard

By Roberta Willson • January 24, 2024
Is it time for a new vehicle? Are you looking for a great way to make some money before you purchase a new or used vehicle? Did you just put on new tires or new parts into your vehicle? A salvage yard is a great option! A salvage yard might give you more money for your vehicle or parts than from a private sale or as a trade-in at a dealership. Once you have decided to bring your vehicle to a salvage yard, now what? How do you prepare yourself before you arrive and what happens when you get to the salvage yard? Let’s go through the steps to get you the cash you want from your used vehicle! Step One: Make sure you have the title to your vehicle. In order to sell your car to anyone, you need the title to your vehicle and a salvage yard is no exception. If you cannot find or have lost your title, you can request a new one from the RMV. The requirements to obtain a copy are dependent based on which state you live in.

How to Get the Most Out Of Your Gallon of Gas

By Roberta Willson • November 16, 2023
The national average through 2023 is $3.58 per gallon of gas with it fluctuating each and every month. The good news is that we have seen gas prices go down over the last 12 months but it is still high enough to affect where people go on vacations, holidays, and even just weekend activities. If you are looking to save some cash with the holidays just around the corner. Here are six tips to help you get the most out of that pricey gallon of gas!

5 Reasons For The Trend Toward Smaller Cars

September 25, 2023
The trend towards smaller cars has been in the works for awhile but this year was the first year that critics and consumers agree - smaller is actually better. Gas pricing are soaring, parking is expensive, the economy is still recovering and where consumers can save some money are on smaller cars. Smaller cars mean less gas, mostly likely a lower MSRP, which in turns would mean cheaper upfront costs or even monthly car payments. Let’s discuss 5 reasons for this trend.

What should you do when your car or a part is recalled?

By Jason Pelland • August 29, 2023
Did you get a letter in the mail from the manufacturer, car dealership or even check online to find out that your vehicle has a recall? What should you do, how urgent is the recall, what steps do you need to take to ensure your vehicle is at its’ optimal preference level? First, let’s put it into perspective. While a recall is not something you should ignore; there are over 400 recalls a year that affect more than 25 million vehicles in the U.S. alone. In addition, the average vehicle will have 4 recalls in its lifespan and recalls never expire. Now that we have some perspective. What is the first thing you need to do once you become aware of your vehicle’s recall status? If you purchase your vehicle new or used from a dealership, contact them directly and they will advise you. If you purchased your vehicle through a private seller, contact the vehicle manufacturer and they are required by law to either repair the issue, replace the recalled item or refund the purchase price of the vehicle, minus depreciation.

5 Noises that Need Immediate Attention

By Roberta Willson • July 12, 2023
Our vehicles go through a lot. Most of us will ignore some noises that come out of our vehicle but there are some that just cannot be ignored. The question is, what are those noises that need your immediate attention.

Road Trip Ready: Your Vehicle Checklist

By Roberta Willson • June 7, 2023
It might not always feel like summer in New England but it’s right around the corner. As summer arrives, road trips may be in your future. Road trips can be fun and adventurous but having any car issues could certainly put a damper on your road trip. Let’s discuss how to get your vehicle “road-trip ready” so you can focus on the fun and adventure and not any mishaps with your vehicle!
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