Your engine is the heart of your vehicle, and without it you wouldn’t be going anywhere. That said, even the most reliable engines need regular maintenance to run their best, and any unusual noises should always be checked out to ensure your engine’s health. Here are three sounds your engine might make that you should never ignore.
Ticking
If you hear an unusually loud ticking sound while your engine is running, it could be an indication that your engine is low on oil or you’re losing oil pressure. The best way to check for this yourself is to let the car sit for a few minutes and then check the oil level. If your oil is low, but adding oil doesn’t fix the problem, you’ve got bigger issues and it’s time to schedule a service appointment with Jim Schmidt Chevrolet Buick.
Hissing
If you hear a hissing sound coming from the engine bay while the engine is still running or has been stopped but is still hot, that means you’re likely losing coolant and might even be overheating already. Overheating is one of the fastest ways to kill any engine, so a coolant leak is nothing to mess around with. Have your vehicle brought to the attention of a mechanic as soon as possible, and have it towed to avoid driving an overheated engine any further.
Chirping/Squealing
A chirping or squealing sound under the hood likely means a slipping belt, which can be caused by a number of issues. You either have a misaligned pulley, worn belt, or engine fluids are leaking onto the belt and causing slippage. No matter what, you’ve got a problem that demands immediate attention.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Take proper care of your engine and avoid hearing the noises above with regular oil changes and checkups at Jim Schmidt Chevrolet Buick.