All posts tagged squeaking brakes

Modern cars are often almost silent in their operation. Some manufacturers even pipe artificial engine noise into the passenger compartment – just to keep things interesting. 

So, when you notice a hum, squeal, or thunk, it’s bound to perk up your ears. Usually, this is because it sounds like money. 

But before you crank the stereo to cover what you fear is a new version of that old blues hit "I Just Gave my Mechanic my Rent Check," try and listen closely. Sometimes, noises indicate simple problems that can get very expensive if left untreated.

Those Squeaking Brakes

If you hear a squeal when you press the pedal, it could mean you’re due for a brake job. Brakes have wear detectors. These metal prongs generate a slight squeal as the friction surface wears down. Consider it your final warning. That sound will plead with you for new pads until the dreaded metal-on-metal contact occurs. Have your squeaking brakes looked at before you find you’ve accidentally created a new drive-thru window at your favorite burger joint. 

That Constant Hum

Notice a low-frequency hum at anything over a walking pace? It might be your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings play an important part in keeping the wheels spinning and attached to the car. No fooling: Get those checked quickly before disaster strikes.

Ricky-Ticky Turns

Ticking while making turns at a low speed in a front-wheel or all-wheel drive car might be your constant-velocity joints saying "Service me, please!" Caught early enough, this is an expensive-but-manageable repair.

Doin’ The Bump-Thunk

Modern suspension systems will quietly absorb potholes for thousands of miles. When you hear a bang or a snap while driving over a bump, it’s time for a visit to the garage. Some possible causes: broken stabilizer bar mounts, bad shocks or struts, or worn bushings. All of these things help keep your car on the road and pointed in the right direction.

The Underhood Squeal

Squeals during startup or while turning could mean a slipping belt, a failing pulley, or a dying power steering pump. Any of these can cause other components to fail and snowball into a serious problem. A good mechanic can help squelch that squeal – like the guys at Discount Tire Centers.

If you want maximum service out of your car, nothing beats regular maintenance and taking care of simple, inexpensive problems before they become complex, costly problems. Remember to take care of your car. It’s easy to neglect the little things, especially if mechanics aren’t your thing. But as you take the extra steps to keep your vehicle running smoothly, you’ll avoid costly repairs and inconvenient breakdowns.