Tech Tips

Unusual Noises from Your Car

from the Carrsmith Service Department

Todd Cutlip

Unusual noises made by your vehicle are often your first indication that a problem exists. Do not ignore them. Often it may be something of minor concern or it may be something requiring immediate attention. Do not hesitate to call us or drop by if you notice an unusual noise in your car.

It is helpful to have a set of terms to describe those noises, and it is important to be clear on the definitions of those terms. We continually strive to make this communication as clear as possible. We do this in the hope that the solution to your car problem will cause you the least amount of inconvenience possible. Cars often make a multitude of noises so it is always best to have someone from the office ride with you to make sure we are 'hearing the same' noise as you.

Below is a list of terms for 22 common noises and definitions generally accepted by the automotive industry.

1. BOOM - A rhythmic sound like a drum roll or distant thunder. May cause pressure on your ear drum.

2. BUZZ - A low pitched sound, something like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations.

3. CHATTER or CLATTER - A rapidly repeating metallic sound.

4. CHUCKLE - A rapid noise that sounds like a stick against the spokes of a spinning bicycle wheel.

5. CHIRP - A high pitched rapidly repeating sound, like chirping birds.

6. CLICK - A light sound, like a ball point pen being clicked.

7. CLUNK or THUMP - A heavy metal to metal sound, like a hammer striking steel.

8. GRIND - An abrasive sound, like a grinding wheel or sand paper rubbing against wood.

9. GROAN or MOAN - A continuous, low pitched humming sound.

10. GROWL or HOWL - A low, guttural sound, like an angry dog.

11. HISS - A continuous sound like air escaping from a balloon.

12. HUM - A continuous sound of varying frequencies, like a wire humming in the wind.

13. KNOCK - A heavy, loud, repeating sound like a knock on a door.

14. PING - Similar to a knock, except at a higher frequency.

15. RATTLE - A sound suggesting looseness, such as marbles rolling around in a can.

16. ROAR - A deep, long, prolonged sound like an animal, or winds and ocean waves.

17. RUMBLE - A low, heavy continuous sound like that made by wagons or thunder.

18. SQUEAK - A high pitched sound like rubbing a clean window.

19. SQUEAL - A continuous, high pitched buzzing sound, like an electric motor or drill.

20. TAP - A light, hammering sound like tapping a pencil on the edge of a table. May be rhythmic or intermittent.

21. WHIR or WHINE - A high pitched buzzing sound, like an electric motor or drill.

22. WHISTLE - A sharp, shrill sound, like wind passing a small opening.

Call us today at 352-378-7830 to schedule any maintenance or repair needed.