What to do if your car squeaks when driving

Why is my car squeaking?

Car squeaking and squealing noises could be due to minor issues like worn-out serpentine belts or brake pads that are easy to fix. Unfortunately, car squeaking when driving can also be a sign of much bigger problems with things like suspension and power steering systems.

If you hear a squeaking noise while driving, don’t ignore it. Car squeaking can be an early warning signal that something is seriously wrong, so you should get an expert to look at the car. Failing to act early enough could land you with a bigger bill and even be dangerous.

Squeaking when you turn on the ignition

This is often due to an issue with the serpentine belt, which powers things like the air conditioning, power steering, alternator and fan. Also known as the drive belt or fan belt, it typically needs replacing due to wear every 50,000 miles or so.

Squeaking alternator pulley

The alternator pulley lets the serpentine belt spin the alternator. In turn, the alternator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy to charge the car’s battery.

Simple lubrication and cleaning can stop the squeaking noise coming from an alternator pulley as it means the serpentine belt can run smoothly again.

Squeaking around the cambelt

The cambelt, or timing belt as it’s also called, controls the timing of your car’s engine by keeping the crankshaft and camshaft in synchronisation. It’s pretty important as the crankshaft and camshaft help convert the engine’s energy into motion.

Cambelts need to be replaced anywhere from every 40,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the car’s make and model. A squeaking noise while driving can be caused by either the cambelt becoming worn or loose. It’s dangerous if the cambelt actually snaps and this could also cause serious damage to the car. Cambelt maintenance is critical.

Squeaking from the water pump pulley

Car squeaking when driving can also be caused by the water pump pulley. It’s attached to the water pump that cools the engine and is powered by the serpentine belt.

The water pulley will make a squeaking sound if it’s become loose and needs tightening or replacement. A similar noise can also be caused by worn bearings in the water pump motor.

Squeaking when you speed up or slow down

Squeaking when you speed up is often due to a worn serpentine belt that needs replacing. When cracks develop, the belt will run less smoothly. In very old cars, it could be a V-belt that needs replacing – the smaller V-belts were replaced by a longer serpentine belt in new models from the 1970s.

Squeaking noise while driving slowly can equally be caused by an issue with the serpentine belt. But it could also be a sign there’s a problem with your breaks.

Squeaking when you press the brakes

Squeaking when you press the brakes is a sure sign that something needs to be replaced.

Car brakes squeaking are often caused by:

• Worn brake pads – essential to effective breaking as they create friction to stop the car

• Worn brake rotors – the circular disks on each wheel that brake pads press against

• Worn break calipers – these house the brake pads and pistons.

Some cars will have brake sensors on the dashboard telling you when there’s an issue. Otherwise, think of any squeaking sound when you brake as a warning light.

Squeaking noises from the suspension

Squeaking noises from the suspension are common, especially as cars get older.

The suspension system absorbs the shocks and vibrations of the wheels due to bumps and imperfections such as potholes on the road. It makes for a smooth ride.

Squeaking noises could mean the suspension system has just lost some of its lubrication – it’s an easy fix to get your suspension greased up again. But it could also be that a suspension component needs replacing, including anything from springs, and shock absorbers through to ball joints.

It’s quite easy to top up your car’s fluids but you’ll need to follow the instructions in your car’s manual. If a fluid reservoir has become contaminated with dirt or debris it should be drained and then refilled – you might want a mechanic to do this for you.

Regular servicing is also essential to help prevent those squeaking noises as a mechanic can often spot issues early on. Things like the serpentine belt will need replacing every 50,000 miles or so, in line with your car maker’s recommendations. Other things like the brake pads need to be replaced more regularly to prevent squeaking – in this case, it’s every 10,000-20,000 miles.

Keeping the car in good condition with regular servicing will often save you money in the longer run, as the car should run more efficiently. It could also help to avoid more serious damage to the car – for example, if a serpentine belt isn’t replaced early enough and actually snaps while you’re driving repairs can get more costly.

Will a squeaking noise affect my insurance?

If your car needs repairs due to general wear and tear, these won’t usually be covered by standard comprehensive car insurance as it’s designed to cover repairs caused by an accident.

You can take out a car warranty, also known as mechanical breakdown insurance, protecting you in the event of an unexpected breakdown. This will typically cover any replacement parts and labour as well as car hire while yours is being repaired. A few car manufacturers will include a 7-year car warranty when you buy a brand-new car.

A car warranty tends to come with fairly strict terms and conditions so you could easily invalidate it by not maintaining the car properly. You need to get the car serviced in line with the particular servicing schedule the manufacturer recommends. If you ignore a squeaking noise while driving, there’s also a greater risk your warranty won’t cover a major repair that’s needed if it’s found to be due to your negligence.