None of us wants to hear strange noises coming from inside, underneath or the back end of our car, but those noises can be very helpful, serving as warnings of potentially serious problems. For its March 2010 issue, Consumer Reports put together this list of common vehicle noises and what they typically mean. Recognize any of them? If so, pull into any Mountain View Tire store and our ASE-certified technicians will diagnose the problem.

Squealing Brakes

If you hear squealing only during braking, especially light braking, it's probably caused by a vibration at the brake pads. Squealing doesn't affect your braking performance and, while it's annoying, it’s usually nothing to worry about. In fact, it can happen even with new pads.
If you hear a similar high-pitched squeal from the brakes while the car is moving but it stops when you step on the brake pedal, it can be a sign that your brake pads have worn down and need changing soon.

What to do: Have us inspect the brakes. In the case of the squeal during braking, we may be able to apply a lubricant to quiet the vibration.

Squeals Under the Hood

If you hear this while revving the engine or when first starting it while cold, the noise is often due to a slipping drive belt. The belt could need adjusting or it could be glazed (the sides look shiny), which means it requires replacement.

What to do: Have the pros at the nearest Mountain View Tire location examine the drive belts and replace them if necessary.

Light Rattling in the Engine

This might be pinging, which can sound like tiny marbles bouncing around inside the engine, and usually occurs while accelerating or climbing hills. It's often due to using gasoline with too low an octane rating and can begin occurring in older engines because of carbon buildup. Severe pinging can damage the engine.

What to do: Check your coolant temperature gauge. If the temperature is normal, try using premium gasoline. If that doesn't correct the pinging, have us check the car for you.

Rhythmic Thumping

If the noise increases and decreases with the speed of the car, it's probably a tire problem, such as torn rubber in the tread, a bubble in the sidewall or a flat spot.

What to do: Have the tires inspected as soon as possible. Torn rubber or a bubble could lead to a blowout, so the solution is to purchase new tires. A flat spot is annoying but not serious.

Hissing Beneath the Hood

It's most likely a vacuum leak caused by a cracked or disconnected vacuum hose. Your engine also could be running or idling rough and the "check engine" light could be on.

What to do: If it's a disconnected hose, you may be able to reconnect it yourself. If you’re unsure of the source of the noise, drive the car to the nearest Mountain View Tire location.

Grinding Sound from the Brakes

This means 1) you've waited too long to replace your brake pads, 2) your car is unsafe to drive, and 3) your repair bill has just jumped to another level. The brake pads have worn completely through and are grinding against the brake rotor, which probably also needs to be replaced.

What to do: Stop driving and have the car towed into the nearest Mountain View Tire location.