As you drive your vehicle, be aware of the different sounds and noises that you hear. If you notice a change in the sounds you are used to hearing on a daily basis, what you are hearing is probably a warning that one of your vehicle’s systems isn’t functioning properly and needs to be checked. If you are not sure what sounds your vehicle is making, click here to check out some definitions of common noises to assist you when completing the Drivability form below.
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Boom – rhythms sound like a drum roll or distant thunder. May cause pressure on ear drum.
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Buzz – low pitched sound, something like a bee. Usually associated with vibrations.
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Chatter – rapidly repeating metallic sound.
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Chirp – high pitched rapidly repeating sound, like chirping birds.
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Click – light sound, like a ballpoint pen being clicked.
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Clunk/Thump – heavy metal to metal sound, like a hammer striking steel.
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Grind – Abrasive sound, like a grinding wheel or sandpaper rubbing against wood.
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Groan/Moan – continuous, low-pitched humming sound.
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Growl/Howl – Low, guttural sound, like an angry dog.
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Hiss – continuous sound like air escaping from a balloon.
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Hum – continuous sound of varying frequencies, like a wire humming in the wind.
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Knock – heavy, loud, repeating sound like a knock on a door.
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Ping – similar to a knock, except at a higher frequency.
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Rattle – a sound suggesting looseness, such as marbles rolling around in a can.
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Roar – deep, long, prolonged sound like an animal, or winds and ocean waves.
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Rumble – low, heavy continuous sound like that made by wagons or thunder.
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Squeak – high-pitched sound, like rubbing a clean window.
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Squeal – continuous, high-pitched sound like running fingers across a chalkboard.
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Tap – light, hammering sound like tapping a pencil on the edge of a table. May be rhythmic or intermittent.
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Whir/Whine – high-pitched buzzing sound, like an electric motor or drill.
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Whistle – sharp, shrill sound like wind passing a small opening.
