eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

Click Here
How To

How to Diagnose Car Sounds

Contributor
By Alibaster Smith
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

If you've owned your vehicle for any length of time, you know when it sounds normal and when something sounds "off." However, there are a variety of car sounds your car will make when there is something wrong with it. Being able to diagnose them is key to figuring out what's wrong.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Turn the car on and listen for a high-pitched sound coming from your fan belt or accessory belt. If your belts are "singing," they need to be replaced.

  2. Step 2

    Check for any high-pitched noises or steam coming out around your radiator cap when the car is operating at full or normal operating temperature. This indicates that the seal on your radiator cap may be blown and needs to be replaced.

  3. Step 3

    Listen for squealing tires when you turn corners (and you aren't driving very fast). Your tires could be under-inflated.

  4. Step 4

    Listen for a humming or whining sound coming from your wheels when turning corners. This is indicative of failing wheel bearings.

  5. Step 5

    Listen for a loud knocking sound in your engine. This is indicative of a loose rocker arm or carbon buildup inside the engine. However, it can also indicate more serious problems. Whatever the problem, you will need to have the engine inspected for damage.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

Local Listings
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Cars Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Cars
eHow_eHow Cars