When your European supercar or luxury vehicle makes strange noises you’re unfamiliar with, it can be concerning. However, the good news is that addressing a potential problem before it compounds can help protect your investment and prevent unnecessary future repairs. Here is a list of noises that vehicles might make and what the cause of them might be.
- Rattling. If your vehicle is making a rattling noise, this can possibly mean that there is an object or some kind of debris that has lodged underneath the car. If this is the case, the object can often be easily dislodged and discarded. However, rattling can also mean that a part of the mechanics of the vehicle might have come loose, which should be looked at by an automotive technician.
- Banging or Popping. If your vehicle makes noises that are banging or popping, it could mean that your engine is out of tune. It can also mean that there is a mechanical issue with your catalytic converter or a vacuum or exhaust leak. This noise is typically one that should be looked at by a professional.
- Squealing. Squealing noises typically happen when metal parts are rubbing together. Squealing tends to indicate an issue with your brakes, brake pads, or rotors.
- Hissing. Hissing noises are potentially dangerous, especially if they are coming from the engine. Hissing noises indicate that there might be a fluid leak coming into contact with hot engine parts, or a vacuum leak coming from a hose that surrounds the engine’s intake.
- Grinding. Grinding noises that come from the gearbox typically indicate that there’s an issue with the clutch. It can also mean that there’s an issue with gears or shafts inside of the transmission.
- Whirring. If you hear whirring fan noises when the vehicle is turning off, it can indicate that there’s an issue with auxiliary pumps, air suspension, or cooling fans.
- Clicking. Depending on the severity of the clicking noise, it could be a simple fix as the engine is low on oil. Or if the vehicle is older, constant loud clicking noises could mean that the engine is simply worn out.
- Spluttering. If you hear spluttering noises coming from the engine, it is likely due to an issue with fluids. There might be an issue with your engine oil or fuel. Alternatively, it could be an issue with the exhaust system as well.
- Clanging. Clanging noises tend to indicate that there is a metal part that has become loose and is coming in contact with other metal parts.
European Supercars and Luxury Vehicles
While fixing the above issues takes expertise with most everyday consumer vehicles, this is especially the case with European supercars and luxury vehicles. If you hear any of these noises, it’s important to get your European supercar and luxury vehicle into a trained and experienced expert that understands the intricacies of world-class machines.
Otto’s European Coachwerks has many years of experience diagnosing and repairing the smallest issue to the largest one. If you need to schedule an appointment, feel free to call us any time.