Unusual car sounds can start suddenly or happen gradually over time. Anytime you hear a noise coming from an important area such as the brakes or engine, it's time to contact a professional mechanic for repairs. Before scheduling an appointment, however, you may be able to get a sense of what the issue is on your own.

Squeaky Brakes

Squeaky brakes are annoying, but they're also an important indicator of your car's health. The brakes may squeak for a few reasons. One, and one of the most common, is brake pads that have worn out. The squeaking noise starts when the metal wear indicator is exposed, signifying a need for service or replacement of brake parts. 

Engine Rattling

Engine rattling is another noise to be wary of. The rattling noise usually happens when there is an early ignition in the engine cylinder. The problem starts when there is a mixture of air and fuel in the engine cylinder. The mixture gets ignited prematurely, which in turn produces noise and vibration. This problem may produce a pinging sound in addition to rattling. 

Engine Clicking

Engine clicking noises have several sources. A few components that can cause clicking sounds are the valves, pistons, and connecting rods. These worn parts may start making a high-pitched whining noise if they are further damaged. Your engine can also begin clicking if the oil levels are too low, or if a bearing connected to a rod has gone bad. The noise happens when the rod moves around and hits other parts. 

Knocking From Under the Hood

A knocking sound coming from under the hood usually signals a bad part. The crankshaft can produce knocking sounds when it starts to go bad. The transmission may also produce knocking sounds. Sometimes, you may notice changes in the noise as you drive. For instance, the sound increases with vehicle acceleration. Other times the noise is steady and constant. 

Engine Squealing

A squealing engine also signals a problem with a mechanical part. In this instance, a roller bearing can start going bad on an engine accessory, causing excessive noise. Screeching or squeaking sounds may accompany the squealing, too. 

Car noises say a lot about your vehicle's health. Contact us or visit our Cadillac dealership for diagnosis and service for any of these sounds.