Squealing noises coming from under the hood of your car can be alarming, to say the least. They also could be an indication of serious issues in your car. Let’s take a look at some reasons why you may be hearing squealing under the hood of your car and should have it checked out ASAP.
Loose Power Steering Belt
The most common cause of a squealing sound from under the hood is a loose belt. Have a trained technician check your power steering belt for tightness and replace if needed.
Loose AC Belt
If you notice a squealing sound when you turn your air conditioning on, it’s most likely caused by a loose AC belt. A trained technician will be able to assess the condition of all the belts under the hood and replace or tighten as needed.
Brakes
It may be possible that the squealing noise you hear is in not coming from under your hood, but actually from your brakes. Worn brake pads cause a squealing sound which can be mistaken for another issue sometimes. If you determine the sound is indeed coming from your brakes, take your car to a technician right away. Driving with worn brakes can be dangerous.
Rodent Infestation
Although rare, it is possible for small animals like mice, rats or even squirrels to invade your car and build nests in your engine. This can lead to dangerous and unsanitary problems. If you suspect the noises coming from under the hood of your car are caused by animals, it’s important to deal with it right away. There are certain steps you can take to prevent animals from nesting in your car, like checking your engine often, keeping your car in a garage when possible or using sound repellent devices. After you’ve gotten rid of the rodents, be sure to have your car checked by a technician for any problems the animals may have caused.
Once you’ve found the source of the squealing under the hood, take your car to a professional technician to have it serviced.