Did you hear a weird sound when you started your car or drove to work recently? Sounds can tell you a lot about what's going on under the hood. There are a lot of elements to your car, so it's helpful to know what could be causing trouble. According to PR Newswire, the number one most common vehicle repair is an oil change and oil filter change. Whether it's the oil, the brakes, or anything in between, getting your car's parts quickly fixed by a professional is essential and a strange sound is often the first sign that something is wrong. Here's a quick guide to the different noises your car can make and the potential reasons why.

1. Squealing

Squealing sounds might be a warning sign of bad brake pads, but a bad belt could also be at fault. If you hear a squealing sound when you step on the brake pedal, you should call a local auto shop to get your brakes and belt checked out and replaced if necessary.

2. Squeaking

If you hear a consistent squeaking sound that gets faster when you speed up, you might need to have your U-joint replaced. Front-wheel drive cars use CV joints instead of U-joints, so don't worry about U-joint problems if your car is front-wheel drive. Be sure to contact an auto shop so they can see what else could be causing the squeaking.

3. Rattling

Do you hear a rattling noise when you drive? If your exhaust was worked on recently, that's the likely culprit. Even if you haven't had exhaust work done in the past few months, you could have a loose hanger letting your exhaust pipes move freely. Get in touch with an auto shop if you hear rattling, especially if it's worse when you hit a speed bump.

4. Knocking

A knocking or pinging sound can signal that you're using the wrong type of gas in your car. If you're using premium gas in an older car, you might be doing more harm than good. Check your owner's manual and use the gas your manufacturer recommends.

5. Hissing

Have you noticed a hissing sound when you get home and shut your car off? Hissing can mean you've got a leak, so check your regular parking spots to see if you're leaking anything. If you see any type of fluid underneath your car that isn't water, you should have a mechanic take a look to find the leak.

You need to keep your ears open for weird noises when you start your car, as you're driving, and after you park. The sounds that come from your engine can help you figure out what's wrong with your car. If you need help diagnosing a strange car sound, call Affordable Mobile Auto Repair to schedule the services you need. We're a mobile auto shop so we can come to you!