Detect Vehicle Problems

When your car is acting up or breaks down, the last thing you need is a communication breakdown with your technician. Learn how to describe certain sounds with Lesson in sounds: around the vehicle or Lesson in sounds: under the hood. Get an idea of what the leak spots on your driveway might mean in Lesson in liquids. Then next time you make a trip to the repair shop, you and your technician will be talking the same language.

Lesson in sounds: Around the vehicle

If you hear...
It could be this...
Squeaky brakes
Dirt in the lining of the pads or hardening of the pads and shoes
Grinding brakes
Worn pads and shoes
Metal on metal when braking
Worn-out pads
Metal on metal when encountering bumps
Worn-out shocks
Growling from air conditioner
Worn compressor
Squealing windshield wipers
Worn wiper blades
Whining from tires when turning a corner
Dry or worn-out wheel bearings
Squealing from tires when turning a corner
Tires low on air or worn

Lesson in sounds: Under the hood

If you hear...
It could be this...
Squeaky brakes
Dirt in the lining of the pads or hardening of the pads and shoes
Grinding while shifting gears
Worn clutch or clutch that need adjustment
Screeching under the hood
Loose or worn belt
Popping from engine
Dirty air filter, bad spark wires
Scraping or buzzing from transmission
Transmission needs new fluid
Squeaking noise when shifting
Manual transmission needs lubrication
Clunking under hood when gears change
Worn joints or engine�s idle speed may be set too high
Knocking under hood
Need lower gas octane rating, clogged air filter, or timing off
Clicking when idling
Needs oil
Clunking that worsens as speed increases
Broken or worn engine parts

Lesson in sounds: In liquids

If you hear...
It could be this...
Black fluid
Motor oil leak
Red colored spots on your driveway
Transmission leak
Yellow, green, or orange stains
Coolant/antifreeze leak
Clear liquid with no smell
Just dripping water that has condensed on your air conditioner
Clear liquid with smell
Brake fluid leak
Greasy fluid that is pink, red, or clear
Power steering or transmission leak
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Images shown may include equipment from an independent supplier and is not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty. GM is not responsible for the safety or quality of independent supplier alterations.