Troubleshooting Car Sounds with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

All vehicles make noises and not all of them are unusual or problematic. Strange automotive sounds do not necessarily mean you need to prepare for pricey auto repairs. The sounds your car makes may help in diagnosing what your issue may be. These are some of the more common auto sounds that can aid in troubleshooting auto problems.

I hear a tick, tick, tick sound

If you have a sharp tick, ticking from under the hood and it continues ticking all the time, you should take a look at the oil level.  When oil levels are low it can cause a ticking type of noise within your engine.  Check to see that your oil is full.  If not, fill to the appropriate level and see if the ticking problem stops.  If this does not remedy the problem, or if the ticking would get louder, you should set an appointment with a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop to have your valves evaluated.

If the ticking sounds only happen when the car is first started, but stops shortly after, it is most likely completely normal and is just the oil taking a little time to circulate through the engine.

Another cause of a tick, tick or clacking sound from your engine could be faulty lifters.  If you think this is likely your issue, consult with an auto repair shop to determine your options.

I hear a rattle and tick sound

There are a couple of likely issues to look into when you hear rattling and ticking or clacking sounds.  You first need to determine what area of your engine the sounds are coming from.  Begin with checking if the sounds come from the front side of the engine or the side where your belts are located.  When sounds come from this area and also become either faster or louder as you rev the engine, you are likely looking at a loose timing belt.  While some cars do not have these anymore, many still do.  When discovered early, a loose timing chain can be fixed before creating bigger problems.  If you think there are problems with the timing chain I definitely recommend a trip to an auto repair shop to have it assessed by a mechanic.

I hear a grinding sound

Grinding noises as you press on the breaks needs to be addressed quickly.  You are most likely in need of a brake repair.  You never want to put it off dealing with brake problems.  Waiting can cause extensive and sometimes very costly damages.

If the grinding sound happens as you come to a stop, you need to find and fix it immediately.  By the time this type of noise begins you are already probably going to be replacing your brake discs.

In the Columbia, SC area you can schedule an auto repair appointment at Sanford’s Automotive Service.  We have been proudly serving Columbia, SC and surrounding communities with the best in foreign and domestic auto repairs since 1989.

Test Electrical Problems with the Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro

Electrical automotive problems and electrical repairs are always a pain to face.  The Columbia SC Auto Repair Pro explains how to troubleshoot common electrical problems with a test light.  Using a test light is easy and can rule out particular issues quicker than digital multi-meter.

The test light circuit test will help you determine if there is voltage.  Checking the fuse is always your first step, but once you know the fuse is good, a circuit tester can be utilized to trace an electrical wiring path to locate your problem. Automotive electrical repairs can be downright scary when you do not know how to safely handle them.  Be sure to follow all directions precisely and if any auto repair makes you feel uncomfortable, electrical or otherwise, never continue on with the repair.  You can always get your automobile to an auto repair shop or trusted mechanic to perform necessary auto repairs safely and with the appropriate knowledge to perform the repair completely and without further damages.

Mechanic Reminder: Always check your test light BEFORE beginning to troubleshoot automotive electrical repairs.  Here is a simple test –ground one end and use your battery to check the light.

A test light type of electrical circuit tester also helps with checking a ground circuit. Before starting I would like to be sure you know the leads for your test light ARE reversible.  This means it does not matter which side you end up attaching to your power source or your ground. 

Use a Test Light to Test for Voltage

You start with a positive power source, such as the battery, and you find a ground.  This ground could be any exposed metal that is bolted to the chassis.  Your test light goes between them and if the ends are properly attached, your light should come on.

To see if a wire has a positive voltage, just attach one end of your test light to a solid ground connection.  Then touch the other end to a wire that you want to test.  If your test light comes on, it is a good circuit. I told you it was simple!

How to Use your Test Light to Test a Ground Circuit

If you know a particular electrical component is receiving power on the positive side, you can also check for a good ground.  Since you already know there is a good positive connection, attach one end to it..  Then touch the other end of the tester to the component’s ground wire.  If the light comes one, you have a good ground.  If it does not come on, try cleaning the contact points. Then you should check the ground wire’s path.  Once you find the issue, ground connections are usually very easy to re-establish.

Automotive electrical repairs can be unnerving, but this tutorial on how to use a test light could help you find the problem.  If you need an honest, reputable mechanic, come to our auto repair shop in Columbia, SC.  Sanford’s Automotive Service offers full-service auto repairs including all types of automotive electrical repairs and all types of automotive repair and maintenance for both foreign and domestic autos.