Car making noise while driving: How to find the cause

A car that makes noise while driving could be a simple warning or a sign of a more serious mechanical problem. A buzzing noise in the car, a metallic noise under the car, or a clicking sound in the driveshaft must be diagnosed quickly. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify the cause and avoid costly repairs!

Car making noise while driving: Where is the source of the problem?

Is your car making noise while driving and you’re wondering if it’s serious? Don’t panic! Not all noises are necessarily a sign of impending breakdown. Engine whirring and tire noise on the road are normal, but unusual clicking, whistling, or rumbling sounds deserve your attention.

Start by locating the source of the noise: is it coming from the front, the rear, the engine, or the passenger compartment? A quick visual inspection may be enough: a rubbing mudguard, an object caught in a tire, or a loose mud flap can all cause a harmless noise. It’s strongly recommended to take a closer look.

Noise from the car’s universal joint: A disturbing clicking sound

A noise from your car’s drive shaft (a clicking noise when turning) is never a good sign. If you also feel vibrations in the steering wheel, there’s a good chance your drive shaft is worn.

Do a simple test: turn the steering wheel fully and drive slowly. If the noise from the car’s drive shaft intensifies, it’s a clear sign that it’s at the end of its life. Don’t delay getting it checked, as a faulty drive shaft can snap suddenly (without warning!) and cause loss of control of the vehicle. It’s better to prevent this and get to your car repair shop quickly…

Noise from under the car’s underbody: What to check first?

A noise from under the car’s underbody can be trivial or indicate a serious problem. If you hear a metallic rubbing or clicking sound, it’s strongly recommended to have it inspected promptly.

The most common causes to check:

• Rubbing on the road: Check if a mud flap or engine guard is loose and dragging on the road.
• Metallic rattle: The rubber gearbox mounts may be worn, causing parts to rattle under the vehicle.
• How to check these elements? Look under the car: if the muffler or exhaust pipe moves abnormally, a fastener may be loose. A quick diagnosis will save you repair costs.

Noise in the car cabin: a sign of a hidden problem

Do you hear a noise in your car’s cabin? A simple whistling noise could be caused by worn weatherstripping, allowing air to leak in and creating an annoying noise while driving. A rattling or vibration under the dashboard could indicate a loose screw or some other loose component.

Be careful: some noises are more worrisome. For example, an uneven engine idle accompanied by jerking could indicate a faulty spark plug or an imbalance in the cylinders. Don’t ignore noises in your car’s cabin; try to identify them before they become a serious mechanical problem.

Noise from car air conditioning: something to watch out for before summer!

A noise coming from your car’s air conditioning can quickly ruin your comfort, especially on hot days! Hear an unusual whistling or humming sound? This could indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

Here are the most common causes:

• Hissing sound: your air conditioning filter may be clogged or a refrigerant gas leak is preventing the system from functioning properly.
• Persistent humming: The fan may be out of balance, or its motor may be showing signs of fatigue.

A noise coming from a car’s air conditioning system is a warning sign that should be monitored closely. Annual maintenance will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and extend the life of your vehicle’s system.

Noise from car exhaust: Watch out for leaks!

A car exhaust noise, such as a low growl or a sudden increase in engine noise, may indicate a leaky muffler or a leak in the exhaust line.

What are the signs to watch for?

• Metallic rattles: A loose exhaust pipe or a broken bracket can knock against the chassis.
• Underbody vibrations: A warped heat shield can rub against the exhaust.

Beyond the noise, exhaust noise in your car can be dangerous. Why? Because a leak can release toxic fumes into the passenger compartment, which can be harmful to your health. If you notice the slightest abnormality, don’t hesitate to have your exhaust system inspected!

Metallic noise under the car: A potential danger

A metallic noise under the car is often a sign of wear or a loose part. It’s best to identify the source of the noise to prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious one.

Possible causes:

• Loose parts: An exhaust heat shield or a poorly secured engine guard can vibrate and rattle under your vehicle.
• Wearing wheel bearings: A rumbling noise as early as 30 km/h (18 mph) that intensifies with speed often indicates a worn bearing.
• Worn brakes: Pads that are too thin or a stuck caliper can generate constant metallic friction.

If a metallic noise coming from under your car persists, have it checked quickly by a qualified mechanic to avoid expensive repair costs.

Buzzing in the car: Where is this dull noise coming from?

A constant buzzing noise in your car can quickly become annoying! But more importantly, it can indicate a serious mechanical problem. Here are the key things to check:

• Worn or unbalanced tires: cause vibrations and a cyclical buzzing sound.
• Damaged wheel bearings: generate a rumbling noise that increases with speed.
• Transmission problem: the gearbox is worn or a differential is worn.
• Another special case: studded or all-terrain winter tires can be naturally noisy.

If the buzzing noise in your car persists, a quick scan can save you a hefty bill!

Noise from the back of the car: a warning sign?

A noise from the rear of your car could indicate worn suspension or transmission. Think you hear a clunking or rumbling noise? Here’s what to look for:

Rear suspension problems

• Worn shock absorbers: clunking noise when riding over bumps.
• Worn tie rods: constant metallic grinding.

Noise related to the differential

• Lack of oil: dull rumble.
• Worn gears: high-pitched whining.

Is a persistent noise from the back of your car bothering you? Consult a professional mechanic to prevent the situation from getting worse.

Is your car making noise while driving? Call our experts!

Your car making noise while driving is trying to warn you of a mechanical problem! Quickly identifying the cause can help avoid major repairs and keep your wallet from hurting. For an accurate diagnosis and efficient repair, trust Trans-Mico Automotive!

Sources: 
Desjardins Assurances. 10 Car Noises and What They Mean. 2018.
Le Guide de l’Auto. Qu’est-ce qui pourrait être la cause d’un bruit dans les roues à basse vitesse? [What could cause noise in the wheels at low speed?]. 2018.
Mister Turbo. Le top 10 des bruits de voiture et leur diagnostic possible (+ coût de réparation). [Top 10 Car Noises and How to Diagnose Them (+ Repair Cost)]. 2024.