Is your car screeching at you? Don’t brush it off! Car screeching means your vehicle is crying out for a little attention. Let’s find out what screeching could mean.
Those unsettling car noises are not only annoying but also indicate an underlying issue with your vehicle. Knowing why your car is screeching makes it easier to figure out what’s going wrong. The screeching sound could originate from various components like brakes, tires, belts, transmissions, and suspension. How and when the sound happens can tell you a lot about what’s causing it. Sounds complicated? No worries.
This guide will help you recognize screeching sounds, understand what’s causing them, and learn how to fix the issues behind those noises.
What Does “Car Screeching” Mean?
Identifying the Sound
Unusual noises coming from the car can be of several types. Sounds like screeching, scraping, rattling, squeaking, and grinding indicate a car issue. Though many possible noises are coming from your vehicle, we’re going to focus on identifying and understanding car screeching. Screeching is the high-pitched, piercing, and sharp sound of metals scratching on each other's surface.
When and Where You Might Hear It
Tracking the screeching sound can lead you to the source of the car problem. And you should start by identifying the circumstances under which the noise happens. You’ll probably hear your car making a screeching sound in the following instances:
- When accelerating
- When turning on the ignition
- When taking a turn
- When idling.
Now, let’s see what could be behind that irritating sound.
Common Causes of Car Screeching
Brake System Issues
- Worn brake pads: Brake pads are the pillar of the car’s braking system, consisting of a steel backing connected to a friction material. When you brake, hydraulic pressure is generated, clamping down the brake pads onto the brake discs. This way, friction is created, slowing the car. If the friction material is worn out, a high-pitched sound occurs as the brake pads connect with the discs.
- Glazed rotors or pads: The screeching sound also happens when the calipers stick and the brakes remain partially applied. The constant contact of the brake pad with the rotor causes excess friction and heat. The overheated brake pads harden and when coming into contact with each other produce a screeching sound.
- Moisture or rust: As a result of continued use, the car’s brake rotors drop their smoothness. On their surfaces, rust accumulates, causing the brakes to screech when braking.
Tire and Suspension Sounds
- Low tire pressure: Underinflated tires have increased surface contact with the road, causing loud noises, especially during slow turns.
- Worn-out suspension components: When suspension components such as shocks, struts, control arms, and coil springs are overused, the metal-to-metal screeching noise appears from underneath the car.
- Alignment issues: When the wheels aren’t aligned properly, the tires fail to optimally contact the road when turning, causing uneven force and weight distribution. This leads to screeching noises.
Weather and Environment-Related Sounds
- Cold starts: When you have a cold start, the engine oil is thick and the parts have gone without lubrication for hours, resulting in higher friction and producing the signature car screeching.
- Moisture in the system: When it rains, aging serpentine or fan belts may slip due to reduced elasticity, causing screeching noise. Moreover, moisture affects the suspension parts and the brakes, increasing friction and causing these parts to screech.
When Should You Be Concerned?
While some screeching noises aren’t critical, others should be dealt with right away. For instance, a worn-out serpentine belt can be safe to drive for several days before replacement. Whereas faulty brake components require immediate repairs because driving in that condition could lead to fatal accidents.
In addition, the screeching noise appearing after rain or cold starts isn’t immediately dangerous. Usually, it is temporary and fades away soon.
How to Fix or Prevent Car Screeching
DIY Checks You Can Do at Home
If that car screeching is getting on your nerves, here are some tips to ease your mind and quiet your ride.
- Belts inspection: Regularly check the serpentine and fan belts for cracks, looseness, or fraying.
- Check tire pressure: Make sure your tires are inflated properly to avoid uneven wear and related screeching noises.
- Listen for suspicious noises: Pay attention to your car at different speeds to figure out what part of the car might be causing the sound.
When to See a Mechanic
Checking things yourself is useful and even kind of fun, but when things get tricky, it’s best to let a pro handle it. If the screeching occurs while braking or turning, or it continues to get louder, it’s time to seek professional assistance. Professional mechanics have the knowledge and experience to accurately determine and fix the problem.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Screeching
Want a smoother and quieter ride? Then, routine maintenance is your best friend. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Clean the brakes: Regularly cleaning the brakes and getting rid of brake dust, debris, and grime minimizes the risk of car screeching.
- Brake pad replacement: changing brake pads is an important procedure ensuring your brakes function properly and you avoid the screeching sound.
- Belts replacement: As we mentioned before, swapping out worn belts is a key step to keeping your car quiet and avoiding bigger problems.
- Regular oil changes: Oil changes, especially applying the recommended type, will ensure your engine stays well-lubricated and functions smoothly.
Car Screeching in Used Cars – What Buyers Should Know
So, you’ve picked out your dream used car - now it’s time for a test drive. First things first, listen for screeching noises during the drive, if you hear any - that’s a red flag. Unusual car screeching indicates the vehicle isn’t up to standard and points to mechanical issues. That’s why you should check the vehicle’s maintenance records and history. Moreover, you should ask your seller the following questions:
- When were the brake pads last replaced?
- When was the serpentine belt last checked or replaced?
- Have any suspension components been changed recently?
To be totally sure you’re making a smart choice, have a third-party inspection. Independent inspection helps overcome unpleasant surprises down the road.