What should I do if my car squeaks while driving?

What should I do if my car is squeaking?

Pay close attention to when and where the sound occurs. For instance, does it happen when you start the engine, while the car is idling, when it’s accelerating, turning or when you drive over a bump? 

Once you’ve narrowed down when it’s happening, explain the problem to a qualified mechanic, who’ll hopefully be able to diagnose and carry out the car repair before it becomes a more serious problem.

Whatever the cause of the squeaking, it’s important to act fast when you notice it. Even minor problems can become more serious (and expensive) to fix if they lead to a breakdown.

Issues that may cause your car to squeak

Here’s a list of some of the most common causes of squeak-related problems and how to tackle them:

A worn-out cambelt

If your car squeaks when you press down on the accelerator, the most likely culprit is a loose or worn-out cambelt. The cambelt, also known as a timing belt, is a vital part of your car that controls the timing of the internal combustion engine.

If you haven’t ever had your cambelt replaced and your car is a few years old, it’s worth asking a mechanic to check it out. A broken cambelt could lead to other damage that’s expensive to fix.

A steering system in need of TLC

If squeaking happens when you turn a corner, you guessed it – there’s probably something wrong with your car’s steering system.

You may be running low on power steering fluid, in which case a quick top-up should stop the squeaks. Check your car’s manual to learn how to measure remaining power steering fluid level using your dipstick then, if it’s low, pop to a local car shop or garage to buy some extra fluid. If this doesn’t help, you might have worn-out ball joints or the power steering fluid could be contaminated. This’ll require the help of a mechanic who’ll drain and replace it for you. And if your steering system just needs a bit of extra lubrication, a professional will be able to diagnose and deal with the problem.

A faulty brake pad

If the squeaking noise happens when you use the brakes, the most common reason is a faulty brake pad (or two, or four). Some new brake pads are actually designed to make a noise when they’re worn to the point of replacement. So, listen to them – if you don’t act quickly, your car’s brake rotor discs may be damaged, and this will cost a lot more to repair than replacement pads. Squeaking may also come from debris, such as a small stone, stuck between the pad and disc. This may eventually dislodge by itself after a short journey, or you may need to visit a mechanic to remove the stone.

A dodgy alternator

The alternator is the device that keeps your car battery charged and powers all the electrics that keep your car running, like the air conditioning, headlights and windscreen wipers.

The average alternator has a good seven years in it. If you hear a squeaking noise coming from your engine, it’s a tell-tale sign that your car’s alternator could be on the blink. Other signs of a failing alternator include a burning smell and a warning light on your dashboard.

A problem with your tyres

Car screeching can be a symptom of under-inflated tyres or uneven treadwear. A simple trip to the garage should solve it. Or it might just be time to get a new set of tyres, especially if you’ve had yours for more than 10 years.

Remember, maintaining your tyres is a legal requirement. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, and you should check your tyres regularly for signs of damage.

A problem with the suspension

A squeaking noise coming from your car’s suspension could signal a significant problem. The suspension system absorbs the shocks and vibrations from bumps, potholes and other defects on the road. It normally provides a smooth ride, but a squealing noise could indicate wear and tear in the springs or shock absorbers. It’s best to get a qualified mechanic to take a look.

How can I prevent my car from squeaking?

The best way to prevent squeaking and other problems from developing is to keep up regular maintenance on your car. Follow these simple steps to keep your motor in tip-top condition:

• Carry out routine checks of your fuel, oil change, coolant, tyre pressure and electrics and top up fluids regularly
• Get your car serviced at least once a year, or according to your car’s servicing schedule, to make sure everything’s in good working order
• Drive smoothly to reduce wear and tear on the components, and try to avoid potholes where possible
• Keep the weight down so you’re not putting unnecessary pressure on the tyres, brakes and suspension
• Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights – they’re there for a reason.