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Car repairs can be costly, especially so if they are left for a long period of time to develop into further problems. The sooner you recognize that your car is having problems and take it in to have it serviced, the lower your repair bill will be. This article will explore four common sounds that act as warning signs, signalling you to a problem that you will have to have fixed at a garage like Benchmark Motors INC.

Squealing Brakes

If you hear a high pitched squeal or squeak while pressing the brakes, you should probably have your brakes looked at. The issues associated with such a sound could be minor, such as a worn down brake pad, or major, signalling damage to the rotors themselves. Squealing brakes are also a sign that your brakes are not working as well as they should be, and are not as efficient at slowing down your vehicle, which represents a safety hazard. This is a repair that you do not want to put off.

Rumbling Exhaust

If you notice that your exhaust system is excessively louder than it used to be, making sputtering or rumbling sounds when starting up or while driving, there may be a problem with your catalytic converter (which reduces the emissions of your vehicle), or your exhaust system may simply have shaken loose from its restraints. Have this checked out immediately, as an improperly functioning exhaust system can cause your fuel efficiency to decrease, increasing your long-run costs.

Squealing Engine

If high pitched noises are coming from your engine compartment, your drive belt may be damaged, causing it to slip when in motion. This is a fairly simple repair, but if left unchecked can cause multiple problems for your vehicle, because the drive belt is the part of the engine that transfers power from the engine to systems like power steering, your air conditioning system, and your vehicle's alternator.

Humming While Driving

If there is an indistinct hum while you're driving, the tires of your vehicle may have become worn down. Worn tires can decrease the responsiveness of your brakes, ruin your car's fuel efficiency, and reduce your vehicle's agility, as well as increasing the risk of your tires blowing out while driving, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. While having your tires replaced is a costly repair, tires tend to last several years and won't need to be replaced again for a while.