Can I Drive My Car If It Is Making a Strange Noise?

If your car starts making a new noise, it is safest to have it checked before driving far. Some noises, such as grinding brakes, a knocking engine or a hiss with steam, mean you should stop as soon as it is safe. Others, such as a light squeal from a belt, are less urgent but still need looking at soon.

What do common car noises mean?

• Squealing or screeching. Often worn brake pads if it happens when braking, or a slipping or worn auxiliary belt if it comes from the engine bay.

• Grinding when braking. Usually brake pads worn down to the metal. This can damage the discs and reduce braking, so stop driving and have it checked.

• Knocking from the engine. Can mean low oil or worn internal parts. Check the oil level when it is safe and do not keep driving if the knock continues.

• Clunking over bumps. Often worn suspension parts such as drop links, bushes or ball joints. These affect handling and should be checked promptly.

• Clicking when turning. A common sign of a worn constant velocity (CV) joint on the driveshaft.

• Hissing. Can be a coolant or vacuum leak. If you see steam or the temperature gauge rises, stop and let the engine cool.

• Humming or droning that rises with speed. Often a worn wheel bearing or uneven tyre wear.

• Rattling underneath. Frequently a loose heat shield or exhaust part.

Should I keep driving?

Pull over when it is safe and think about what you can see, hear and feel. Stop driving and get help if:

• the noise comes with a red warning light on the dashboard

• the brakes feel different, or the car pulls to one side

• there is smoke, steam or a burning smell

• the engine temperature is rising or the oil warning light is on

Our guide to dashboard warning lights explains which lights mean stop now.

Why does it pay to act quickly?

• Lower repair costs. Worn brake pads are cheaper to replace than pads and damaged discs together.

• Safety. Brakes, steering, suspension and tyres all affect how well you can stop and steer.

• Fewer breakdowns. Many noises are early warnings of a part that will eventually fail.

How is a noise diagnosed?

A technician will usually road test the car to hear when the noise happens, then inspect the likely area on a ramp. It helps to note when you hear it: at a certain speed, when braking, when turning, over bumps or when the engine is cold.

Common questions

Is a squeal from the brakes always serious?

Not always. Brakes can squeal briefly in damp weather or after the car has stood. A squeal that continues, or turns into grinding, needs checking.

Can I record the noise to help the garage?

Yes. A short video on your phone, taken safely by a passenger or while parked, can help a technician understand the problem.

Will a strange noise cause an MOT failure?

It depends on the cause. Worn brakes, suspension faults or exhaust leaks can all lead to a failure, so it is worth having noises checked before the test.

Need a car checked in Barnsley?

If your car is making a noise you are not sure about, find out more about our servicing and repairs or call our service team on 01226 574321. Our labour rate is £80 per hour plus VAT. We are in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Updated October 2026.