At a glance
If your car squeaks when driving, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible
Even a minor problem could become an expensive repair job if ignored
Regular car maintenance can help prevent squeaking problems developing
Car insurance won’t cover maintenance repairs, so it’s down to you to get any squeaking problems sorted.
Why is my car squeaking?
Squeaking and squealing noises could be caused by a worn-out serpentine belt, suspension or brake pads. These are usually small problems that are relatively easy to get fixed.
But it’s never a good idea to just ignore squeaks and squeals in the hope they’ll go away. It could be an early warning sign of something more serious.
If a strange sound in your car doesn’t sit right with you, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional as soon as you can.
What should I do when my car squeaks when driving?
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. They’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.
How can I prevent my car from squeaking?
The best way to help prevent squeaking and other problems is to keep up regular maintenance on your car.
Follow these simple steps to help keep your motor in tip-top condition:
Keep your car well lubricated and top up the brake fluid, power steering fluid, clutch fluid and engine oil when necessary
Carry out routine checks of your fuel, oil level, coolant, tyre pressure and electrics
Get your car serviced at least once a year, or according to your car’s servicing schedule
Drive smoothly to reduce wear and tear on the components, plus try to avoid potholes where possible
Reduce the weight 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.
Issues that may cause your car to squeak
Finding out where and when your car makes a squeaking sound can help you identify the cause of the problem:
Car squeaks when turning on the ignition
A squeaking noise the moment you turn the ignition could be a sign of an issue with the serpentine belt or pulley system.
If you’re having trouble starting your car, it could be a dodgy alternator. The alternator keeps your car battery charged and powers all the electrics, like the air conditioning, headlights and windscreen wipers.
The average alternator should last around 80,000-150,000 miles. If you hear a squeaking or whining 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.
Squeaky noise when turning
If your steering wheel is causing a squealing noise, it could be an issue with the power steering system.
You might 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 the power steering fluid level using your dipstick.
If topping up doesn’t help, you might have worn-out ball joints or the power steering fluid could be contaminated. This will require the help of a mechanic who can drain and replace it for you. If your steering system just needs a bit of extra lubrication, a professional will be able to diagnose and deal with the problem.
Any problem with your car’s steering should be looked at immediately, as driving with a fault could be dangerous.
Squeaking or whining while turning can also be a symptom of under-inflated tyres or uneven treadwear.
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.
Car squeaking when braking
A noise when pressing the brake pedal could be caused by one of several parts of the braking system. Your brake pads may have worn down, which could damage the brake discs.
Some new brake pads are actually designed to make a noise when they’re worn to the point of replacement. Do not ignore the sound, get your breaks checked as soon as possible. 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 might 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 might need to visit a mechanic to remove the stone.
Car squeaks when driving over bumps
Noises when driving over uneven ground could be coming from your suspension. Your car’s suspension is designed to absorb the vibrations and shocks of driving over uneven ground like bumps, potholes, cobbled streets or off-road terrain.
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.
Car squeaks when accelerating
A squeaking noise when you accelerate will probably mean a worn serpentine belt that needs replacing.
Another culprit could be 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 your car squeaks when driving slowly, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with your brakes.
Is it safe to drive a squeaking car?
Your car squeaking could be caused by multiple issues. That’s why it’s best to have a mechanic diagnose the problem before driving it.
For example, if your car is suffering from an issue with the brakes or steering, that would make your car dangerous to drive.
Will a car making a squeaking noise affect my insurance?
It could do. Not keeping your vehicle well maintained and in a roadworthy condition is against the law and could invalidate your car insurance policy if you need to make a claim.
You also risk a fine and penalty points on your licence if you drive a vehicle in a dangerous condition. This will almost certainly increase your insurance premium.
A car insurance policy won’t pay out for maintenance repairs, so a squeaking problem is down to you to fix.
FAQs
What is a serpentine belt?
A serpentine belt is a long, thin, intertwining belt – a bit like a snake – hence the term ‘serpentine’. It’s linked to the crankshaft and transmits power to various components including the air conditioner, water pump, power steering pump and radiator.
If the serpentine belt wears down or breaks, the components it powers won’t be able to work at their proper speed. This can produce a squeaking sound and inevitably interfere with the engine’s performance levels.
How much does it cost to fix a squeak?
The amount it costs to fix a squeak will depend on the problem.
Topping up the power steering fluid yourself can cost anywhere from around £7 to £22 depending on the vehicle type, manufacturer and model specifications.
A serpentine belt replacement could cost between £26 to £234.
What other noises should I look out for?
Squeaking and squealing aren’t the only noises that may indicate your car has a problem. Worn brake pads, drive belt and wheel bearings can cause your car to grind, rattle or rumble.
Any strange noises you hear shouldn’t be ignored. A small squeak or rattle could turn into an expensive repair job further down the line, so it’s best to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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