Is Your Car Talking to You? Common Sounds That Signal Trouble
When your car is running right, it usually hums along quietly, doing its job without drawing attention. But when things go wrong, your car might start speaking up—through clunks, squeals, whines, and rattles. And while it might not use words, those weird car sounds are your vehicle’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right.”
At Schimpf’s Garage in Somerdale, NJ, we’ve seen it all. With over 60 years of combined experience, our team knows exactly what your car might be trying to say. And the good news? If you catch these sounds early enough, you can avoid bigger (and more expensive) car repair bills down the road.
Here’s a guide to some of the most common noises your car might make—and what they could mean.
1. Squealing When You Brake
If you hear a high-pitched squeal every time you hit the brakes, don’t ignore it. This is often the built-in wear indicator on your brake pads doing its job. These tiny metal tabs are designed to make noise when your pads are wearing thin—a clear warning sign that it’s time to replace them.
In some cases, squealing can also mean your brake rotors are glazed or that debris has gotten lodged between the pad and rotor. Either way, it’s best to get it checked out before it turns into a grinding noise. Because if you wait too long, that grind could mean metal-on-metal contact—and now you’re looking at rotor replacement, not just new pads.
Pro Tip: Schimpf’s Garage offers a free brake inspection with any repair until August 31, 2025. If your brakes are talking, bring them in today.
2. Clicking or Popping When Turning
Hearing a clicking or popping sound when making turns? Especially sharper ones? This is often related to a worn-out CV (constant velocity) joint. Your CV joints are essential for transferring power from your transmission to your wheels while allowing your suspension to move.
This sound is most noticeable during low-speed turns. Ignoring it could eventually lead to a complete joint failure—which could leave you stranded.
Our skilled mechanics in Somerdale can quickly identify and fix the issue before it escalates. We’ve got the tools and the know-how to get you safely back on the road.
3. A Loud Bang or Pop from the Exhaust
If your car lets out a loud bang like a firecracker, it could be backfiring. This usually means fuel is igniting in the exhaust system instead of in the combustion chamber, often due to a rich fuel mixture, a bad spark plug, or a failing sensor.
Backfiring not only sounds alarming, it also signals that your engine isn’t running efficiently. And the longer you drive it that way, the more damage it could do to your exhaust system or catalytic converter.
The experienced technicians at Schimpf’s Garage can run diagnostics to pinpoint the issue fast. We handle everything from simple tune-ups to complex engine and exhaust repairs.
4. Screeching Under the Hood
A loud screech or squeal from under the hood—especially when you start the car or turn the steering wheel—often points to a worn serpentine belt. This belt powers multiple systems in your vehicle, including the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
Over time, the belt can stretch, crack, or become glazed, reducing its grip. If it fails completely, you’ll lose those systems—and possibly overheat your engine.
Don’t wait until you’re stranded. At Schimpf’s Garage, we can inspect your belts and replace them before they break.
5. Humming or Growling That Changes With Speed
Does your car sound like it’s growling at you the faster you go? That deep humming sound could point to an issue with your wheel bearings.
Wheel bearings are small steel balls that allow your wheels to spin freely with minimal friction. When they wear out, they start making noise, especially at higher speeds. Left alone, they could cause your wheel to seize or even detach.
Wheel bearing problems often feel like a vibration in the steering wheel or a sensation that your car is “floating.” If you’re hearing or feeling anything unusual, it’s time to get it checked.
6. Knocking or Pinging from the Engine
A knocking sound—especially during acceleration—might mean your engine’s combustion process is out of sync. This could be due to using the wrong octane fuel, carbon buildup, or even a bad spark plug or ignition coil.
If you hear it consistently, don’t shrug it off. Prolonged knocking can lead to engine damage that’s far more costly to repair.
We offer thorough diagnostics at Schimpf’s Garage, so we can isolate the problem and restore your engine’s smooth performance before things get worse.
7. Rattling From Under the Vehicle
If it sounds like something is rattling underneath your car, it might be a loose exhaust component, like a heat shield or muffler bracket. While it might not be immediately dangerous, those parts can break off and cause damage or pose a hazard to others on the road.
Sometimes, this noise can also indicate issues with your suspension or even a loose undercarriage shield. Either way, it’s worth having it looked at by a professional.
Our team can perform a complete underbody inspection, and for a limited time, we’re offering a free vehicle inspection with any repair through August 31, 2025.
8. Whining While Accelerating
If you hear a whine when pressing the gas, it could be a sign of transmission trouble. Automatic transmissions often make a whining sound when fluid levels are low or internal parts are starting to wear. Manual transmissions might whine if the clutch is going bad or if there’s a problem with the differential.
Transmission repairs can get expensive, but catching the issue early could mean the difference between a fluid change and a full rebuild.
At Schimpf’s Garage, we specialize in both standard and commercial vehicle transmissions. Whether it’s your personal car or a work truck, we’ve got you covered.
9. Buzzing or Humming From the Dashboard
Buzzing sounds inside the cabin can be surprisingly tricky. It could be something simple like a vibrating trim panel or glove box latch—or it might be electrical. Sometimes, relays or failing actuators in the HVAC system can emit a buzzing sound.
This kind of issue isn’t always dangerous, but it’s annoying—and it might be masking a more serious problem. Our ASE-certified technicians can investigate and stop the noise at the source.
When to Listen—and When to Act
Cars don’t usually develop strange noises overnight. More often, the sounds start small—maybe a faint squeal here or a light rattle there. It’s tempting to turn up the radio and ignore it, but that’s when small issues become big ones.
Here’s what you should do if your car starts making weird sounds:
- Note when and where the sound happens. Is it during acceleration, braking, turning, or idling?
- Try to record the noise if possible. It helps your mechanic diagnose the issue faster.
- Don’t delay. Sounds that go unchecked often lead to bigger (and more expensive) repairs.
Whether you drive a daily commuter, a commercial workhorse, or a weekend cruiser, Schimpf’s Garage in Somerdale, NJ is ready to help. We work on all makes and models—cars, trucks, semis, box trucks, and beyond.
If your car is trying to tell you something, don’t ignore it. Let our experienced team translate those sounds into solutions. We offer expert diagnostics, mobile services, and even free inspections with any repair through August 31, 2025. Call or stop by today—and give your vehicle the attention it’s asking for.
