Just like a human, sometimes your car gives you signs that things aren’t going so well and it’s time to bring your vehicle into Robert’s Collision & Repair before it gets worse. Sometimes, also like a human, they keep it to themselves and just keep moving along. The later situation is exactly why regular maintenance is so important as it gives our auto mechanics a chance to see what might be creeping up before it turns into a real problem. The following, however, is a short list of the sounds that are telling you to get ‘er done sooner than later.
Squealing or grinding noise coming from the brakes. Squealing or screeching can mean a worn pad. When it starts grinding, you’re usually talking about metal on metal… pads are gone. You never want to mess with your brakes. The longer you wait, the more dangerous it becomes to drive, because your brakes are no longer working at maximum capacity. AND the longer you wait for the more it’s going to cost you since you are allowing more wear and tear on areas where that’s not supposed to be occurring.
Ticks or tapping noises coming from the engine. That could be a sign that you are very low on oil or that for some reason your engine isn’t maintaining the proper pressure. Either way, pull over and after letting your engine cool, check it to see how much oil is in there. Don’t drive it if you keep hearing the noise as it could lead to significant engine damage. And if you’ve ever had to replace an engine, you know that it’s not an inexpensive endeavor!
If your engine is hissing or sizzling, it’s talking to you and saying that there might be a fluid leak in your engine: coolant, oil, power steering. Again, not something you want to mess with or wait on. Wouldn’t it suck if you found yourself stranded on the side of the road saddled with a huge repair bill… both of which could have been avoided.
Knocking or chirping noises coming from your engine should not be ignored either. It could be a loose or damaged or slipping belt. Recommendation: don’t ignore. Captain Obvious strikes again!
If you’re hearing a loud ticking noise when you are turning, it very likely could be a worn-out CV joint. Why is that a problem, you ask? Well, it will affect your axle and in the worst-case scenario leave you in a vehicle with no control or forward motion.
The bottom line is to always listen to your automobile. No one knows it better than you do. Take time to drive with your radio off from time to time so that you really do know what’s normal for your car. Pay attention to when something sounds or is acting differently. Most major problems your auto can have won’t simply appear without warning. Get used to making your vehicle’s ongoing maintenance a priority and when something seems even a bit out whack, have a professional give it the once over. Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey would love to be your go-to auto repair shop whenever you’re in doubt or simply needing a good, honest facility to handle your ongoing maintenance. We hope to see you soon!