What You’ll Learn
As you read this article about common car issues and the noises they make, you’ll learn:
- If your car is making any unusual noises whatsoever, it’s important to identify the problem, then solve it before it gets worse.
- Depending on the noise your car is making, you might be able to get some ideas about what’s wrong.
- A skilled mechanic will be able to diagnose the noise quickly, and they can help you fix the problem professionally.
Why Is My Car Making Noises?
No one wants to be asking themself this question. When your vehicle is making strange noises that you haven’t heard before, it’s almost always a sign of trouble. This can be scary because some car repairs are costly, but the problem will almost always get worse if you try to ignore it. Take note of what kind of noise you’re hearing so a mechanic can get to the bottom of things and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Squealing or Grinding – Brake Pads
Brake pads are specifically designed to start making noises as they wear out. This is a clear sign that you need to get your vehicle into a shop as soon as possible. Brake repairs are obviously extremely important when it comes to keeping your vehicle safe, so this is nothing to put off until later. By the time the noise turns from light squealing to full grinding, you may be doing significant damage to the vehicle itself, meaning more expensive repairs later.
Chugging, Hissing, or Rattling – Exhaust System
When something goes wrong with the exhaust system, it could lead to any number of different sounds. Normally, though, people either say that they hear chugging, hissing, or rattling:
- Chugging sounds mean that there might be a blockage or partial blockage in the system.
- Hissing might indicate that there’s a crack somewhere, and pressure is escaping where it shouldn’t be.
- Rattling, almost no matter where it’s coming from, means that something isn’t properly aligned anymore.
Whining or Growling – Power Steering Pump
This sound might be coming from a power steering pump or the belt that connects it to the engine. You might be low on fluid, or the pump itself might be starting to wear out. These problems normally make themselves known with a wine or a growl (not the same powerful purr you might hear from a sports car). As your engine hits higher RPM, the noise will likely start to take on a higher pitch.
Knocking Sound – Tire Air Pressure
Knocking or thudding while you drive could be coming from the tires, possibly because they’re out of alignment or low on air . If your tires seem to be properly inflated, take the vehicle in for a tire inspection and alignment. Ignoring this problem will hurt your gas mileage, make it hard to enjoy a smooth ride, and potentially lead to dangerous tire problems.
Car Ticking While Idling – Low Oil
You might hear this when you’re at a stoplight in Tucson or sitting anywhere else when your car is on, but you aren’t moving. Ticking could point to a few different things, but it’s often a sign that you’ve been procrastinating when you should be getting your oil changed. The mechanic will be able to tell you if the oil change will be enough to solve the problem or if there’s something more serious going on. In either case, take your car in for service right away.
What to Do When Your Car Makes Noises
Some noises are more serious than others, but they’re all worth checking out. If it’s a simple problem, the repairs won’t be as expensive, and you can save yourself from the costly damage that happens when you ignore warning signs. If it’s a more serious problem, it’s important to know that, too. It’s better to know if your vehicle is on its last leg before you end up stranded, and some problems actually make your car unsafe to drive.
Other than taking immediate action, the most important thing is to find a trustworthy auto mechanic. That way, you can count on getting an honest opinion about your options. When you bring your vehicle to a skilled team, you can also get fast, accurate service for a lower price.
Car Repair in Tucson at Cactus Auto
Here at Cactus Auto Sales , we’ve seen it all. We sell all types of used cars, so we have to learn how to identify and correct problems on just about any make or model. Our team has a lot of experience, and they know how to take care of common problems quickly. Stop by today, or schedule service and we’ll get you back on the road as soon as possible.
What’s the Best Age of a Used Car to Purchase?
Many factors need to go into a car purchase, whether it’s a new or used car. While buying a used car is financially reasonable, it doesn’t always guarantee the quality of the purchase. Is the car mileage worth your money? Regardless of your reasons for purchasing a used car, mileage and depreciation are critical considerations. This blog highlights the proper age to buy a used car in Tucson, AZ, and the environs.
Depreciation Works on a Curve
Generally, depreciation works differently for new and used cars. For starters, a new car depreciates faster than a used car. A new car loses 9-11% of its value immediately after you drive it from the dealership. Subsequently, the average car loses 20% of its value within the first year. After the first 12 months, the car loses about 15-25% of its value yearly for five years. The car’s depreciation happens after that period but is much slower.
The Best Time to Buy a Used Car
Purchasing a used vehicle that is 2-3 years old means that you are getting a relatively new car in good condition without being affected heavily by depreciation. However, you stand a chance to save even more if you purchase an older car. An older car (5 years and above) is likely to have lost 60% of its value, making it a convenient age to buy a used car in Tucson, AZ.
What Factors Affect Depreciation?
Different car models generally depreciate at varying speeds. For example, a luxury sports car has a higher depreciation rate since car buyers usually go for the newer models. On the other hand, reliable vehicles such as the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Nissan Frontier have some of the slowest depreciation rates.
Recalled vehicle models or cars with a reputation for costly repairs and maintenance also have an extremely high depreciation rate. Despite getting a great deal and bargaining on a particular car model, ensure you consider the ongoing repair costs.
Consider the Cost of Servicing and Maintenance
Generally, modern vehicles are still reliable when aging. A typical five-year-old vehicle costs way less in repairs than a ten-year-old car. While the average five-year-old vehicle is likely to suffer significant damage every 2-3 years, the average ten-year-old will most likely face considerable damage every 18-20 months.
Consider More than the Car’s Sticker Price
Additional safety features give newer models a competitive advantage over older ones. The best model year to buy a used car would be the 2012 model, when superb safety features entered the auto industry and redefined cars. These features include electronic stability control, side curtain airbags, and backup cameras.
In addition, newer cars have better mileage, thus helping your long-term savings goals. More importantly, more recent models have more gadgets and improved style choices.
What You’re Looking for in a Used Car
What is the most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a used car? Below are some practical tips and considerations for when buying a used vehicle:
- Future resale value
- Car features and specs
- Value for your money
- Low upfront costs
- Low running costs.
These factors affect the price of a used car before purchasing it.
How Old Should a Used Car Be?
If you are looking for a great used car bargain, ensure you buy a car as old as you are comfortable driving around. Also, ensure the vehicle is in good condition and reflects proper care from its previous owner. Unfortunately, you can’t always get such a good bargain by purchasing new or relatively new cars.
Remember that most modern safety features aren’t available in older models. Therefore, the proper model year to buy a used car should be a 2012 model at the very highest.
Cactus Auto Sales has got you covered if you want to buy a used car in Tucson, AZ. Contact us To help you find a well-priced and maintained used car in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding towns.
Image Source: clean_fotos | GettyImages
Connect with us
