Tool
What's that car noise?
Cars talk. Find the noise that matches yours and we'll narrow down what's making it.
Squeal
"EEEEEE-eeeee"
When: Light braking, or under the hood at startup.
Likely causes
- Brake wear indicator
- Glazed pads
- Loose drive belt
- Power steering pump
Recommended service
Grind
"GRRRRR-RHHH"
When: Braking, shifting, or under acceleration.
Likely causes
- Brake pads worn to metal
- Failed wheel bearing
- Synchros (manual transmission)
- Failed CV joint at full lock
Recommended service
Knock
"KNOCK-knock-knock"
When: Under acceleration, especially uphill.
Likely causes
- Pre-ignition / wrong fuel
- Carbon buildup
- Timing chain tensioner
- Rod bearing (serious)
Recommended service
Tick
"tick-tick-tick"
When: At idle, faster as RPM rises.
Likely causes
- Low oil
- Lifter or HPFP tick
- Injector tick (normal on DI/diesel)
- Exhaust manifold leak
Recommended service
Hum or Drone
"wahmmmmmmmmm"
When: While driving, pitch follows road speed.
Likely causes
- Wheel bearing
- Tire cupping
- Differential bearing
Recommended service
Clunk
"CLUNK"
When: Over bumps or when shifting between drive and reverse.
Likely causes
- Sway bar end links
- Control arm bushings
- Strut top mount
- Driveshaft U-joint
Recommended service
Hiss
"hssssssss"
When: At idle or right after shutdown.
Likely causes
- Vacuum leak
- Coolant leak hitting hot exhaust
- Brake booster leak
- A/C system
Recommended service
Whine
"wheeeeeeeee"
When: Under boost, while turning, or with speed.
Likely causes
- Turbocharger bearing
- Power steering pump
- Worn differential
- Supercharger
Need a real diagnosis?
Our techs use OEM-level scan tools and 47+ years of import experience. Drop by, book online, or call.