Do you have a vehicle that's starting to make strange noises when you drive? Are you concerned that these noises might point to something serious? Before you take your vehicle to the mechanic, you might want to have some idea of what you might expect. Your mechanic is the best one to tell you exactly what's wrong with your vehicle, but here are some possibilities.

Ticking or clicking noise: If it's not your turn signal, a clicking noise when you turn the wheel can be the result of a CV joint wearing out.  A CV joint, or constant-velocity joint, is what transmits power from the engine to the drive shaft. Because of this, it needs to be repaired as soon as possible. While some types of engine or transmission repair can sometimes be ignored for a brief period, this is one of the more serious issues that your vehicle can face. Failure to fix it in a timely manner could result in a serious situation.

Grinding when accelerating or decelerating: A grinding or squealing noise can sometimes be the result of worn brake pads that are stuck, scraping against the wheel well. But if you know that your brakes are in good condition, the noise is likely coming from your transmission. Depending on the age of your transmission, the transmission repair may be a matter of having your mechanic swap out the worn gear or gears for new ones. However, if you ignore the signs of needing a transmission repair, metal shavings can accumulate inside the transmission. When this happens, your only recourse may be to have a brand new transmission installed. The sooner you take your vehicle to the mechanic, the better the outcome is likely to be for you and your vehicle.

Random squealing noise: If you hear a squealing noise at seemingly random times, this can indicate a worn belt. As a belt wears out, it can become loose and start to slip from time to time. When this happens, the surface of the belt can rub a moving part the wrong way, resulting in the squealing noise that you hear. Fortunately for you, a belt is usually much less serious and less expensive than some common repairs. Depending on exactly which belt is worn out, you may even be able to replace it on your own. Many sites have instructions and videos on how to replace a basic fan belt for various makes and models of vehicles.

For more information, contact local professionals like Interstate Transmission & Automotive.