Car noises are the first signal of a problem — often long before a warning light comes on. Identifying the sound is often the difference between a small repair caught early and an expensive one you could have avoided. Here are 7 common noises, their likely cause, and how urgent they are.
1. Grinding / squealing on braking
What it sounds like: high-pitched, metallic, happens when you press the brake pedal. Stops when you let go.
Likely cause: brake pads near end of life — the wear indicator is touching the rotor.
Urgency: medium. You still have a few hundred km, no more. See our brake pads guide.
2. Scraping on braking
What it sounds like: metal-on-metal, much louder than squealing.
Likely cause: pads fully worn — the backing plate is touching the rotor.
Urgency: URGENT. You're actively damaging the rotors. Stop driving, call.
3. Clicking when turning
What it sounds like: sharp rhythmic clicks when turning at low speed, worst at full lock.
Likely cause: worn CV joints. On FWD cars this is the classic symptom.
Urgency: medium-high. You can drive a few weeks, but if a CV joint fails completely, the car won't drive.
4. Whistling on cold start
What it sounds like: high-pitched continuous whistle from the engine bay. Fades after a few minutes.
Likely cause: dry or slipping serpentine belt. Often loose tension or a worn tensioner pulley.
Urgency: medium. If the belt snaps, you lose power steering, alternator, and water pump all at once — replace before that.
5. Ticking from a warm engine
What it sounds like: rapid tick-tick-tick from the top of the engine.
Likely cause: low oil level (hydraulic lifters making noise), OR wrong oil for the engine, OR worn lifters on a high-mileage engine.
Urgency: check oil level immediately. Top up if low. If it persists, don't drive far — risk of engine damage.
6. Growling while driving
What it sounds like: low, constant, gets louder with speed. Often from one side.
Likely cause: worn wheel bearing.
Urgency: medium. Replace within weeks — a failed bearing can lock the wheel while driving.
7. Droning rumble from underneath
What it sounds like: low hum, constant, gets louder with speed, like driving on gravel.
Likely cause: tires cupping / worn unevenly (sawtooth pattern), OR wheel bearing (if only on one side).
Urgency: low to medium. Inspect tires first. If they're fine, it's probably a bearing (see #6).
Rule of thumb
A new noise is always a signal. It will not go away if you ignore it. The longer you wait, the more the repair costs. A neglected wheel bearing can take out the knuckle, and a worn pad left too long destroys the rotor — either way, the bill climbs fast.
Need a part or a second opinion?
If you've identified the culprit, call us for the part — we give you a price in 2 minutes. If you're not sure, drop by the store: we can often confirm the diagnosis from your description. See also our auto parts in Laval.