Engine Noises That Require Immediate Attention

Your engine’s never going to be silent. That gentle hum you hear right after you turn the key, that’s the sound of everything working like it should. But when that hum turns into knocking, grinding, or some other weird sound, it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something’s wrong. And the longer you ignore it, the worse (and more expensive) it could get.

Odd engine noises are often early warnings. They’re usually small problems that can turn into big ones fast if you don’t get them checked out.

Not All Engine Noises Are Normal

If something sounds off under the hood, don’t just turn up the radio and hope it goes away. That squeal, rattle, or hiss could be pointing to a worn-out belt, a misfire, a leak, or worse. And engine repairs aren’t something you want to put off.

Noises You Should Never Ignore

Here are four engine sounds that are always worth checking out:

Knocking or Pinging

That tapping or knocking sound usually means something’s not right in the combustion process. It could be caused by bad fuel, carbon buildup, or incorrect ignition timing. Left alone, it could damage the engine from the inside out.

Grinding

If you hear grinding, don’t wait. It might be coming from the transmission or drivetrain. While it’s not technically the engine, it’s close enough to matter. Either way, it’s a sound that should never be ignored.

Squealing or Screeching

Most of the time, this means a belt is loose or worn down. It might not seem urgent, but if that belt controls your alternator, power steering, or water pump, ignoring it could lead to overheating or even a breakdown.

Hissing or Ticking

A hissing sound could mean a coolant or vacuum leak. A ticking noise might point to low oil or issues with the valve train. Both can lead to overheating or engine damage if left unchecked.

What These Noises Could Mean

Not every noise means a major repair, but they’re all worth a look. Catching the issue early could mean the difference between a quick fix and a total engine rebuild. And remember: the longer you drive with a problem, the more it can wear down other parts.

If you hear something loud, unusual, or new while driving:

• Try to record the sound on your phone
• Pull over safely and turn off the engine
• Call or head to your neighborhood shop in the GreatWater 360 Auto Care network

When to Head to GreatWater 360 Auto Care

If your engine’s making noises it shouldn’t, or your check engine light’s flashing, don’t wait to get it checked out. At any GreatWater 360 Auto Care-affiliated location, we’ve got the tools, training, and teammates to figure out what’s going on and fix it the right way.

From minor tune-ups to major engine work, we’ve got your back.

Call or schedule an appointment online, and let’s take a listen together.