(PHOENIX)– It’s the time of year many of us welcome scary sights and sounds – except when it comes to our cars. But, don’t be spooked – your Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) are breaking down common scary sounds:
- A loud squealing can mean a loose belt
- A low rumbling or metal-on-metal scraping sound can mean worn brake pads. Get this checked immediately
- A high-pitched screech from the wheels can mean a build of brake dust.
- A clunking sound can mean a problem with the universal or CV joint
- A thumping or clanking sound can mean worn ball-joints or tire-rods
- A clicking sound that gets louder as you go faster can be something caught in your tire or wheel well
- A rattle from under the car when you idle or turn can single a problem with the exhaust heat shield.
Being able to describe the sounds to your mechanic can lead to a faster, perhaps less expensive fix. Here’s a checklist to get you going:
Does it sound like?
- Rattling
- Groaning
- Whining
- Squeaking
- Knocking
- Ticking
When do you hear it?
- All the time
- When I start the car
- When I’m idling
- When I stop
- When I turn
- When I hit the gas
- When I hit the brake
- When it’s raining
Where is the sound coming from?
- Front of the car
- Back of the car
- Under the hood
- Near a door
- From the window
NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals): The Neighborhood Auto Repair Professionals (NARPRO) helps car owners find skilled and honest car repair shops. NARPRO only recommends independent, family-owned, full-service auto repair shops that have passed 26 rigorous tests. Visit www.NARPRO.com to find recommended shops near work or home. NARPRO is the easiest way to find an honest mechanic in the Valley.
