Your Transmission Shop in Modesto and Car Noises

Noises are to be expected when you fire up your car and hit the road. The wind whistles past the outboard mirrors, the tires hum of the asphalt and little pieces in the dash rub together to generate little squeaks that often drive you up the wall.

But these are noised you expect to hear when driving your car. In fact, most of these noises you don’t even notice as you cruise down the highway, except the squeaking dash of course.

Now, if your car is making an unfamiliar noise, it’s something that should not be ignored. These sounds often start off rather benign, but many will get worse as time goes by.

Listen for these noises, and if they become a part of your everyday driving experience, then it is time to take action. Ralph’s Transmission, your transmission shop in Modesto, offers car noises and what they might mean.

Popping When You Turn

If you can hear a popping noise or the sound of people snapping their fingers when you are making a turn, it could be the CV joints.

Any other noises you hear while turning could be a problem with your wheels or tires. This could be serious and should be checked out right away.

Clicking and Tapping From the Engine

An audible tapping from the engine is something you definitely need to check out right away. If the tapping increases as you accelerate and becomes faster, you could have a problem with the upper valve train.

The causes could be a number of issues including low oil, low oil pressure or a worn part.

Deep Knocking Noises

Deep knocking noises from your engine could indicate something far more sinister than low oil. A rod knocking about could mean your engine is doomed and it is only a matter of time until the bearings fail.

Of course, it could be something that is inexpensive and easy to fix.

Grinding Noises

You might think that you hear grinding noises coming from the engine, but most of the time this type of noise indicates problems with your breaks.

As your brake pads wear down, the metal of the pads starts grinding with the metal brake rotor. Replacing the brake pads at this point isn’t always enough as you may have to have the rotors turned.

Squealing Upon Acceleration

Squealing while accelerating is the ear-splitting noise your belts make when they need attention. A fan belt or serpentine can loosen over time and will squeal like a Banshee.

Hissing Under the Hood

When you turn your engine off and hear a hissing noise from under the hood, you could have a leaking hose. A leak will spew fluids on the hit manifold and cause a hissing sound. Also, a hole in your radiator hose will hiss when hot fluid is spraying from it.

The hissing noise under the hood could also be a vacuum line.

If you are hearing a strange noise coming from your transmission, you should have someone take a look at it right away. Call Ralph’s Transmission and schedule an appointment today.