Car Noises Worth Taking a Look At

Standard engine noises such as, exhaust, 4 cylinder smeeee sounds, 6 cylinder grog sounds and 8 cylinder rumble sounds are normal, however when it comes down to snapping, cracking and clattering... you might consider popping the hood or taking it into the professionals.

Take a look at my car up there.  Talk about a pile.  This thing made mass amounts of noise all the time and as a young 17 year old boy like myself, most of the noises were masked by the volume on the radio.  That car does not run anymore as a result.

Paying for car repairs isn't the worst thing in the world.  It is a pain in the neck but getting in a crash because you DIDN'T pay for repairs is worse.  Here's a list of six car sounds that might mean a crash is in your future, so DON'T ignore them.

1.  Diesel-like clattering in a gasoline engine.  It could be bad gasoline, or your ignition timing might be off.  Either one could cause serious engine damage if it isn't fixed.

2.  Drumming underneath the car that increases with speed.  It could be a failing U-joint.  The worst that can happen is that the U-joint breaks, the driveshaft hits the pavement and your car flips end over end until something stops it.

3.  A sound like fingernails scraping on a chalkboard.  It's probably a loose accessory drive belt.  It's not life or death, but everyone around you will notice you until you fix it.

4.  Sharp tapping that increases with engine RPM.  It could be a connecting rod knock.  In the worst case, the rod punches through the engine block,  Metal parts and flaming oil shoot out and you're shopping for a whole new engine. - Yahoo Autos

5.  Grinding metal, like a snowplow on a bare road.  Your brake pads could be completely worn away, which could cause the car to pull to one side when you brake.

6. Whining when you turn the steering wheel.  It could be a failing power-steering pump.  If it failed completely, you'd lose your power steering and you wouldn't know it until you tried to turn the wheel.