Wheelbearingnoise

The sounds coming from your tires are telling. Drivers with excess “road noise” (noises heard while driving down the road) could have low tire pressure, tire tread with uneven wear, wheels out of balance, or a tire nearing a catastrophic failure (blow-out). So, if you are hearing new noises from your tires, get them checked by a professional immediately.

Wheel bearings needing replacement have a variety of symptoms but are another major safety concern. It is not uncommon to hear noises ranging from a low hum to screeching or grinding emitted from the wheel well area when wheel bearings are worn out. The noises will typically increase at speed or when making turns. Wheel bearing issues are a quick and easy diagnosis and can be performed relatively quickly.

Wheel noisewhen accelerating

Brake pads’ life span depends a lot on the driver’s behavior, but most manufacturers estimate the pads should last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles with 40,000 miles being the accepted average. Worn brake pads make a distinctive squeaking noise in the early stage of failure due to the “warning clip” (designed to let drivers know the pads need to be replaced) hitting the rotor when the brakes are applied. If ignored and the brake pads completely wear out, metal to metal grinding will be heard. So, if your brake pads are nearing the end of their expected life expectancy, get them checked ASAP by a qualified mechanic.

Noises coming from your vehicle are never pleasant and can be frightening. Unusual sounds from the wheels bring an even greater level of anxiety. Experienced mechanics can identify the source, but the average driver should be aware of the common reasons their wheels are making noise. While the causes are numerous, five major issues posing serious safety concerns may be the problem.

Wheel NoiseGame

A vehicle with improper wheel alignment will produce noise such as a hum or drumming sound. Other symptoms that go hand in hand with wheel alignment issues are uneven tire wear and a bumpy ride. Most experts recommend vehicle owners get their alignment checked at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. If it’s been a while since your last alignment and you are experiencing unusual noise, the solution may be fixed with this regular maintenance.

Regardless of the reason, if your vehicle is making noise, regular service is key to identifying the problem before it leads to costlier damage. With regular tire rotations, balancing, and alignment, your auto technician will notice any issues at the time of the service and ensure your vehicle is running both efficiently and safely.