When you are driving, you do not want to hear anything rattling. If you hear a rattling sound as you go down the road, the first thing you want to do is ensure that nothing is rattling around in your glove box, in a cup holder or in the trunk of your car. Once you have ruled that out, you can then get to work finding out exactly where the rattling is coming from and how an auto repair shop can fix it. Here are a few common reasons you may hear a rattling sound when you are driving your car.
Worn Window Channels
If the rattling sound seems to be coming from one of the windows in your car, you may attempt to roll the window up. If the window is rolled all the way up and you still hear a rattling sound, you may have worn window channels. The window channel, also commonly referred to as a window seal, helps to hold your window glass in place, while keeping outside air and water out of the car. As the channel ages, it can begin to break down, which may allow the window to rattle. Luckily, this is a fairly easy and inexpensive fix.
A Bad Wheel Bearing
If you hear a rattling sound that seems to be coming from outside of the car, and seems to get louder the faster you drive, you may be dealing with a bad wheel bearing. A bad wheel bearing can affect any one of your four tires, so that may affect whether it appears the sound is coming from the front or back of your car. A bad wheel bearing can come apart completely while you are driving, so this problem must be dealt with immediately to ensure you are safe while driving.
Exhaust System Problems
If the rattling sound sounds like it is coming from underneath your vehicle, you likely are experiencing a problem with your exhaust system. Exhaust system problems include catalytic converter problems, muffler issues or corroded pipe, can sound like light rattling to rocks shaking beneath your car. Exhaust system problems are more noticeable when you are idling at a traffic light, stop sign or stuck in traffic.
Water Pump Failure
If the rattling sounds like it is coming from underneath your hood, there is a good change your water pump is nearing the end of its life and about to fail. If your water pump fails, your engine will not get the coolant it needs, leading to your car quickly overheating. Your water pump needs to be immediately replaced to prevent this from happening.
If you hear rattling while you are driving, it is a sign that something is wrong. A car repair shop can help you determine where the sound is coming from and what repairs are needed to solve the issue. Here at Morgan Automotive, we can help you with all of your auto repair needs. Call us today to set up an appointment.