Knocking

Hearing a knocking sound from your engine can accompany issues with power and acceleration. If you notice this, it could be a sign you’re using the wrong type of fuel. Pay attention to your car’s recommended type of fuel. If your car doesn’t require premium fuel, you won’t benefit from using it, you’ll just cause engine knocking and potentially serious engine damage. 

Tapping or Clicking

Notice tapping or clicking while the engine is running? It could mean you’re low on engine oil. Luckily, it’s easy to check your oil level using the dipstick. If it is low, you can easily top it off with the correct type of engine oil. If it isn’t, this sound could also signal a loss of oil pressure somewhere in the system, which will have to be checked out by a mechanic.

Banging from the Rear

Press on the gas and hear a loud bang from the back of your car? It could be a backfire. This can be caused by a too-rich air-fuel mixture or possibly a failing catalytic converter. If your catalytic converter has failed, there’s likely also another underlying exhaust repair that should be handled by a mechanic to prevent further engine damage.

Hissing from Below

While it may seem like no big deal, hearing a hissing sound coming from beneath your car can actually be a very serious car repair. Most likely, you’re dealing with an exhaust leak, which can be tricky to find. It can also pose a serious safety risk. Exhaust leaks on the underside of your car can cause toxic exhaust fumes to enter into the passenger cabin, so pay attention to any unusual smells and make an appointment with your mechanic.

Turn Your Steering Wheel

If you start to notice a squeaking or squealing sound when turning your steering wheel, it points to your power steering system. Most likely, you need a mechanic to check out your power steering fluid because it may be old or low, meaning you’re due for a power steering flush. It could also be part of the steering linkage being damaged. 

Accelerate

Hearing unusual sounds while accelerating can point to a couple different problems but both are serious issues. If you hear a roaring sound that increases with acceleration, it’s likely an exhaust leak under the hood that will have to be found by a mechanic. On the other hand, squealing or chirping points to a loose or worn belt. If that belt wears out and breaks, it can cause serious engine damage.

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