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Winter Car Noises—What Do They Mean?

Almost no one likes to go out in the cold or drive on snow and ice, but winter driving can actually be helpful. How? Winter conditions can often bring about noises or just make existing noises more noticeable, and those sounds can point to much-needed maintenance.

What Squeaks and Squeals Mean

If your car is making squeaks or squeals that you did not notice in warmer temperatures, your car may be experiencing:

  • Loose or misaligned belts
  • Worn out bushings
  • Bad ball joints
  • Worn brake pads
  • Low power steering fluid
  • Suspension component end-of-life

When you notice, the noises are important diagnostic criteria. For instance, squealing when you start your car is likely a belt issue. Squealing when braking points to brake wear.

What Squeaks and Squeals Really Mean

You do not have to diagnose your car’s noises on your own. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, bring it in to our shop. We can determine if your car needs maintenance, repair or simply a return of warmer temperatures.