Why Is My Vehicle Squeaking While I Drive?

Why is your vehicle squeaking while you drive?

1. Loose cambelt
2. Faulty brake pad
3. Underinflated tires

Cars will typically make noise as they’re in motion due to the normal functioning of the combustion engine. However, not all noise is considered normal. Odd squeaking or squealing sounds, in particular, can indicate that there may be faulty or worn-down components. If you’ve ever asked “Why is my vehicle squeaking while I drive?” then you may want to have your brake pads, cambelts, steering belts, or tires checked out.

Some car owners make the mistake of ignoring these odd noises, especially if they don’t feel any direct impacts on vehicle performance. This shouldn’t be the case, since prolonged usage of faulty parts can also cause damage to other vehicle components. If you want to make the most of your car and avoid any potential accidents on the road, it’s crucial that each part is in good working condition. Read on to learn more.

Loose Cambelt

The cambelt (also known as cam belt or timing belt) is a vital piece of your car’s engine that’s responsible for controlling and regulating the timing of the vehicle’s internal combustion engines. This ensures proper rotation and sequencing of the valves so that your car can optimally burn fuel and regulate the air passing through it.

One of the tell-tale indicators of a loose cambelt is a squeaking sound that you’ll hear after using the accelerator. This usually happens with older car models, and it will also depend on how frequently you use the car. Nevertheless, manufacturers will recommend swapping out your loose cambelt for a new one. Have your car brought over to a local service shop or a mechanic to find out your options.

Faulty Brake Pad

Another culprit for car squeaking sounds is the faulty brake pads. You’ve probably encountered this while driving on the road, coming from a large vehicle or truck as they near to a stop. There’s a good chance that their vehicles’ brake pads have undergone too much wear and tear and need to be replaced immediately.

When your brake pads have already thinned out, they won’t be able to provide enough friction with the rotors to slow down the car. This can be dangerous as it can drastically increase the vehicle’s stopping distance, making it difficult to brake effectively on long stretches of road.

As always, bring your car to a mechanic and have the brake pads replaced with new ones. Doing this will not only improve the function of the brake but also ensure your safety on the road.

Underinflated Tires

Not all unusual noises coming from your car’s tires will be a cause for concern. For example, turning on a tight roundabout at slow speeds can cause slippages on the road surface, creating the sound. This is harmless at best and doesn’t necessarily mean that your tires have not been inflated to the ideal tire pressure.

Nonetheless, there are some signs that point to tire under-inflation. Some of them can be subtle, like having to refuel more often than usual. Or, squeaky tire sounds will oftentimes be accompanied by difficulty in steering, turning corners, swerving, or a flapping noise as the tire makes contact with the pavement.

In this case, make sure that you fill up the tires until a PSI that’s suitable for the vehicle. This information can be found on a sticker usually placed on the driver’s door. You should also make it a good habit to check for tire pressure at least every month to improve vehicle safety and driving comfort.

Key Takeaway

Have you ever wondered to yourself: “Why is my vehicle squeaking while I drive”? There may be a number of concerns in your vehicle that you might want to look into. For example, a loose cambelt can produce this sound when you push down on the accelerator. Other reasons might be due to a faulty brake pad or underinflated tires that make braking or steering difficult.

Whatever the reason, the best piece of advice is to always stay on top of your car’s maintenance. Replace car parts as needed and make sure all its components are in working order.