Winter weather may bring holiday delights, but it can also stir up trouble around your house, in your yard – and with your car.
Cold weather can exacerbate underlying car problems, so you may begin to hear squeaks, squeals and other funny noises you haven’t heard before. These noises may be caused by the engine belt, the serpentine belt, the air conditioning compressor or a power steering pump.
As you crank up and hit the road this winter, be sure to listen to your car – and give it the attention it needs so that you can get to your destinations safely. If you decide to see a mechanic, it always helps when you are prepared to describe what you hear so that the problem can be pinpointed more readily
Here are some common sounds and probable causes to consider:
- Ice accumulation:- Ice in the wheel well can lead to some funny noises, especially if you park your car outside overnight or for an extended period of time. Ice that scrapes against wheels, tires and brake discs makes interesting noises, too. Peep beneath your hood and remove the ice carefully, particularly around the wheel well and brake repair.
- Squealing Sounds: Often indicates engine belts that need adjustment or replacement.
- Chirping Noises: Usually means you need new brakes, particularly if you hear these sounds when braking or turning.
- Loose or Bad Belts: Need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear or a bad tensioner on cars with a serpentine drive belt.
- Worn Bushings: When bushings wear out, they can squeak; common in suspension and brake systems.
- Bad Motor Mounts/Ball Joints: Rarely squeak due to brake pads rubbing against the brake assembly.
- Worn Brake Pads: Squeaking noise often signals that brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Sometimes the noises you hear indicate a minor issue; other times, the issue may be major. In any case, listen closely, look under the hood and bring your car into ER Auto Care for a professional review of any potential issues. Give us a call for a professional opinion.
The sooner the better – and better safe than sorry.
Faq’s
A car may make a weird noise on cold start due to thickened oil, worn belts, exhaust system expansion, or strain on the starter or alternator in cold temperatures.
Your car may squeak in cold weather due to stiffened or worn belts, frozen or hardened bushings, or moisture causing components like brakes to squeak. Cold temperatures can also make parts contract, leading to noise.
To stop cold weather belt squeal, tighten or replace the belt, use a belt conditioner, and check the tensioner and pulleys for proper alignment and wear.
Squeaking brake pads often indicate they are worn and nearing the end of their lifespan. Replacing them promptly is important for safe braking.
