Rattles from underneath your car indicate something is loose, or that something has lodged itself down there. If the popping or spluttering is coming from the front of the car, it could indicate a problem with the engine’s fuel, ignition or exhaust system, caused by a blocked fuel filter, old spark plugs, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter. You might have a vacuum or exhaust leak somewhere, or a problem with the catalytic converter – in an older car, it could suggest that the engine is out of tune. There is an engine condition that’s sometimes referred to as ‘knocking’, but it actually sounds like a faint metallic ‘ping’ when you accelerate, and can come from an engine that’s poorly tuned, or running on the wrong fuel, with too low an octane (or Research Octane Numbers (RON)) rating.Ī loud bang from your exhaust pipe is the sound of a backfire, which happens when unburned fuel comes out of the engine and ignites in the tailpipe. An expert will be able to tell you if it actually is a big problem with the engine’s insides, or something that’s more easily fixed. If the hissing happens when you accelerate, it could instead be a vacuum leak from one of the small hoses around the engine’s air intake.Ī knocking sound from your engine is usually a sign something is seriously wrong – get it checked out as soon as you can. Your brakes won’t work well, and the metal-to-metal contact will quickly damage the discs.Ī hissing sound from under the bonnet suggests there is a fluid leak, which is getting onto a hot part of the engine, such as radiator coolant leaking onto the engine block or exhaust manifold. Grinding when you use the brakes can suggest worn-out brake pads – the metal backing of the pads is grinding on the brake disc rotors. If the grinding or whirring is coming from under the car, it could be from the differential(s) or gearbox, which might be low on oil, or from a universal or CV joint or wheel bearing. However, if your car clunks when you’re turning corners, it could be a problem with the steering, wheels and tyres, or a worn-out wheel bearing.Ī grinding or whirring sound from your car’s gearbox might point to a problem with the clutch thrust bearing, or the clutch itself (in a manual), or a problem with the shafts and gears inside the transmission. If the clunk happens when you drive over bumps, there might be a problem with your car’s suspension, or part of the exhaust could be loose. If your car makes a clunking sound when you use the brakes, it could mean there is significant wear or damage to the brake discs, calipers or pads. If you’re not sure whether your car’s sound is the result of a serious problem, stay safe by asking a reputable mechanic for advice straight away. Knowing the causes of odd car sounds will help you work out whether the problem is big or small, and how soon you should get the problem checked out.

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