What's that noise? Common car noises explained
Most car noises fall into a few patterns. Find yours, see what it usually means and how urgent it is, and record it for a closer look.
Four common noises
Which one sounds like yours?
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Squealing on a cold start
Usually: the drive belt
A high squeal for the first seconds on a cold morning, gone once the engine warms up.
Read the guide -
Clicking, but the car won't start
Usually: the battery or the starter
A rapid clicking or a single click when you try to start, more common on cold mornings.
Read the guide -
Grinding when you brake
Usually: worn brake pads or surface rust
Rust after rain usually grinds for the first few stops and then goes away. Worn pads don't. Brake noise always deserves a check.
Read the guide -
Humming that gets louder with speed Often: a wheel bearing or the tires
A hum or drone that rises with road speed rather than engine speed.
Guide coming soon
Whatever the noise: pull over where it is safe and get help if it comes with a warning light, a temperature gauge that keeps climbing, a brake pedal that feels soft, smoke or a burning smell.
Record it
The fastest way to an answer
A recording says more than any description. Record the noise while it happens, note when it starts and what you were doing, and keep away from moving parts.
Not sure which one it is?
Record it with your iPhone. Car Whisperer gives you the likely cause for your car in seconds, the steps to check it and what the parts should cost.
