Vehicle making ghoulish noises? Use our checklist to get to bottom of those haunting sounds

Are you one of those adults who loves Halloween? If so, you’re in good company. A recent study shows that 68% of adults celebrate Halloween, and if you’re one of them, you’re probably already pulling together the props and materials for this year’s perfect costume. But as you’re driving from Wilmette to Chicago in search of the finishing touches, you may notice a squeak, rattle or groaning from your car that wasn’t there just a month ago.

That’s typical as summer temperatures move out of the way for cooler autumn air. The cooler temperatures can trigger some new and haunting sounds. The best way to combat this ghost or goblin is to:

1. Make detailed observations about your noisy companion using our Vehicle Noise Checklist below.
2. Schedule a vehicle inspection with us so we can make sure it’s nothing safety related.

If you print out the checklist below or jot down a few notes and bring them to your appointment, it will help us solve your problem faster and with maximum accuracy.

Please don’t hesitate to ask us to go for a ride with you if you find the noise elusive or hard to describe. As an ASE-Certified Master Technician, I’ve heard and seen A LOT through the years. A 10-minute ride down Lake Street to reproduce your noise will help me and my team zero in your problem before you can say, “Boo!”

Happy Hauntings!
Ben

Hong Kong Auto Service – Vehicle Noise Checklist

What does the noise sound like?

• Whining
• Whining
• Rattling
• Groaning
• Squeaking
• Knocking
• Scraping
• Ticking

When does it occur?

• All the time
• Some of the time
• When the vehicle is first started
• After the vehicle is warmed up
• Damp, rainy days
• Cold days
• Hot days
• At highway speeds
• When braking
• When accelerating
• When idling
• When making a sharp or sudden turn
• When making any turn
• When hitting a pothole
• In rotation with the tires and wheels

Where does it sound like the noise is coming from?

• Under the hood
• Under the car
• Front of the car
• Back of the car
• Inside the passenger compartment
• Near one of the doors

Is there anything else worth noting?