Monthly Archives: February 2024

7 Unusual Car Sounds & What They Mean

7 Unusual Car Sounds & What They Mean

Cars often communicate through sounds, and not all of them are the welcoming hum of a healthy engine. Some noises can be harbingers of underlying issues, signaling the need for immediate attention.  1. Hissing Under the Hood A hissing sound emanating from under the hood when the engine is running can be alarming. Typically, this sound indicates a vacuum leak but can also point to overheating or a coolant leak.  If the hissing is accompanied by steam or an engine temperature warning, pull over safely to prevent engine damage. Meanwhile, vacuum leaks may affect your car's performance and fuel efficiency and should be addressed promptly. 2. Grinding When Braking The sound of grinding metal when you hit the brakes is more than just unpleasant—it's a red flag. This noise often means that your brake pads have worn down completely, and the metal of the calipers is grinding against the metal of your rotors. Not only is this damagin ... read more