Causes of car noise when driving or turning

Whenever a driver gets behind the wheel of a car, they should listen carefully to the sound and feel when starting and driving. Any unusual noises that the car makes while driving are a sign that something is wrong and it is time to have the car checked by a professional.

Mechanical problems can cause a variety of unusual noises, but squealing noises are quite common. Leaks can be the result of some small initial problem, but if left unchecked, these potential problems can turn into a much larger and more expensive problem. Knowing why your car is making noises when driving or turning can give you an idea of ​​what needs to be looked at, which can save you both time and money.

Reasons why cars make noise while driving

If the car makes a noise when driving slowly or braking suddenly:

- Brakes: Poorly installed brake discs or pads can cause squealing. If they are worn, drivers may hear a metallic clanking sound when driving slowly. If they hear a squealing sound when braking, it could be due to rusted brake rotors, new brake pads, or dust on the brake discs. Check the entire braking system to ensure safe driving.

- Suspension: The suspension system of a car is made up of various components, including springs, shock absorbers, tie rods, washers, ball joints and universal joints. Without proper lubrication, they can dry out and be damaged by metal-to-metal friction, which will create a squealing noise when driving.

If the car makes a noise when it is started or when accelerating:

- A loose or worn fan belt can cause a squealing noise that almost sounds like it's slipping on a pulley. Replacing the fan belt should solve the problem. Other belts can also be the cause; it could be a belt anywhere, or even a worn or loose pump pulley.

Reasons why cars make strange noises when turning left or right

Here are some potential problems that your car could be experiencing if it makes a squealing noise when turning left or right:

- Steering system: If there is a squealing noise coming from the front of the car when turning, it could be the power steering system. The squealing sound of the power steering system is a sign that its fluid is low or contaminated. Either way, if the car is making a squealing sound when turning, the driver will need to fix the problem as soon as possible or else the car will be damaged further.

- Interior of the car: Other factors that can cause squeaking, especially in new cars, are the interior trim. Squeaking from the steering wheel can be caused by plastic or interior components rubbing against each other. High temperatures can cause metal and other materials to expand, closing gaps and causing squeaking.

- Suspension: If your car squeals when you turn, it could also be due to a bad CV joint in the suspension. This could be the result of wear or lack of lubrication. Even friction between the wheel and the tire can cause squealing, especially if the driver has lowered the suspension or modified the car in a way that makes the wheel more likely to rub against the arch or other components in the suspension setup. This is more likely to happen on cars that enthusiasts like to “tune” like the Nissan 370Z or even Chevrolet Camaro models.

- Tires: If your tires squeal when you turn left or right, it could be due to the road conditions in some areas. However, this problem could also indicate that your wheels need alignment, that your treads are worn or uneven, or that your tires are not properly inflated. You can extend the life of your tires by maintaining them regularly.

According to Carbuzz