Why it’s important to listen to your car
Written by: Simon Pavey, Last updated:13th February 2023
If you’re proud of your car, you probably spend a lot of time looking at it – admiring the curves
of the bodywork, marvelling at the paint job, checking out the alloy wheels and so on.
But how much time do you spend listening to your car? Car lovers have a particular place in
their hearts for the sound of a healthy, powerful engine, but the various other noises your
vehicle makes can be useful indicators of mechanical issues that need attention.
Listening to all of your car’s noises can help you catch small problems before they develop into
major faults that could require costly repairs.
Screeching from the engine
If you notice an unpleasant screeching sound coming from the engine, it could be a sign that
the alternator belt (also known as the drive belt or fan belt) is loose or worn down.
This is an essential part of the engine, responsible for delivering power to other components
including the alternator and power steering. If you hear a screeching noise, get it checked out
straight away to reduce the risk of the belt malfunctioning and damaging the whole engine.
Chugging or rattling
Chugging or rattling noises coming from underneath the car are a common sign of an exhaust
system that is in need of attention from a mechanic.
If the car is chugging, it might be because there’s some sort of blockage in the system, while a
rattling sound might mean the exhaust is out of alignment.
Squealing or grinding brakes
It goes without saying that healthy brakes are imperative for safe driving, so you should be on
alert for any signs of faults in your car’s braking system.
One of the key things to listen out for is a squealing or grinding sound when you apply the
brakes, which usually means the brake pads are worn out and need replacing.
Signing up to MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services will help to ensure that, when you come
across these sorts of issues, you can get them checked as quickly and affordably as possible.
