Rattling Sounds
Various factors can cause that rattling sound in your engine. Here’s a look at possible reasons:

Over time, certain engine parts can become loose and rattle around when the car is in motion. That is usually due to normal wear and tear, and it’s nothing to worry about. However, if the rattling noise is accompanied by other strange car noises or warning lights, book an appointment to have one of our pros check it out.

Another potential cause of engine rattling is an exhaust leak. The air movement from an opening in your exhaust system can also cause a rattling noise. Exhaust leaks are usually easy to diagnose; if you suspect you have one, just put your ear near the exhaust pipe while the car is running and see if you can hear the noise. If you can, it’s time to take your car in for repairs.

Grinding Metal
Grinding or growling noise could mean that your brake pads are worn out and the metal is rubbing against metal. Since these problems hinder braking, it’s recommended your brakes are looked at ASAP.

A Hissing Sound

Chances are that if you hear a hissing sound from your engine, it’s not a snake. Most likely, it’s one of three things: a vacuum leak, a damaged exhaust system, or a coolant leak. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Vacuum Leak
The engine relies on vacuums to function correctly. A hole or crack in the vacuum lines can cause the engine to run lean, which means it isn’t getting enough air. A lean engine will often make a hissing sound.

Damaged Exhaust System
A muffler or exhaust pipe hole can cause the engine to run louder than usual and produce a hissing sound. If you think this might be the problem, bring your Honda home to Halton Honda so we can take a look and make the necessary repairs.

Coolant Leak
If you notice your engine hissing and steaming simultaneously, there’s a coolant leak. Coolant leaks usually happen when the radiator cap isn’t sealed correctly, which causes coolant to escape and create steam. Pull over immediately if you see steam coming from under your hood and call for roadside assistance. DO NOT try to adjust the cap until the vehicle has completely cooled. It’s important not to drive with a coolant leak because it could cause your engine to overheat and sustain serious damage.

Squealing
What is that awful squealing sound when you hit the brakes? Your brakes are designed to squeal when they start to wear down. That squealing noise is your brake pads telling you they need to be replaced. If you ignore that squeal long enough, your brake pads will eventually wear down so much that they’ll start to damage your rotors. If you hear that squeal, don’t ignore it—bring your Honda in to get the brakes checked as soon as possible.

If the squealing is coming from under your hood, it probably means you have a belt issue. A car’s engine has many rotating belts in addition to gaskets, wires and hoses. These belts can crack or stretch with the passage of time while circulating at higher speeds around the pulleys. Replacing weary belts on time is not only economical, but it also prevents your car from breaking down.

Knocking
If your engine is knocking continuously, it means it’s low on fluids. A knocking sound might also occur if there is an issue with rod bearings. If that is the case, you will have to get a new engine. Nonetheless, if you observe car sounds keenly and catch problems at an early stage you can save yourself lots of money that would otherwise go to hefty car repairs.

That is all about unusual car sounds that shouldn’t be ignored for a perfectly running car. Please also keep in mind that with regular vehicle maintenance you will be able to catch the small problems and fix them before they transform into bigger problems and expensive repairs.

Clicking While Turning
If you are driving a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive and notice car sounds when you turn or corner the vehicle but don’t hear anything when driving straight, it means there is a problem with one or both of the constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle and they may need a replacement.

Ticking
Hopefully it’s a tire that picked up a piece of gravel in its tread and now you’re hearing a ticking sound with every rotation of the wheel. This tick will disappear on its own. Constant ticking originating from under your hood should not be ignored. Usually, a ticking sound in the engine while idling indicates it’s running out of oil.

Not changing car oil when needed can cause major problems in your vehicle’s engine. This ticking sound possibly comes from an engine’s moving part that does not have adequate lubrication when the oil level is low. An engine is the heart of your vehicle and if the oil change intervals are kept too far apart, the oil will not be able to adequately lubricate the engine’s moving parts. This ends badly since there is no driving without a healthy engine.

Honourable Mention: Keep Your Tires Inflated
Another common cause of odd vehicle noises is tires that have low air pressure. When your tires are low, they can cause all sorts of problems, including decreased fuel efficiency and uneven wear on the treads. Low tires can also cause your engine to work harder than it needs to, leading to expensive repairs down the road. Check your tire pressure at least once a month to avoid tire issues. Think you need new tires? Shop our online Tire Shop to find the correct tire sizes, all the brand names and tire packages available for your Honda.

Always be on the look out for all signs of tear wear.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Sometimes, engine noises are caused by problems that have been brewing for a while but have been ignored because they don’t seem like a big deal. But trust us—ignoring minor problems now will only lead to bigger (and more expensive) problems later down the road.

If you start hearing strange noises from your engine, don’t ignore them! Our expert team will help you determine what’s wrong and eliminate all those unwanted sounds. Plus, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your Honda is in good hands. So, what are you waiting for?