Car Making a Clicking Noise: What Does It Mean?
You get in the car, turn the key, and suddenly you’re met with your car making a clicking noise. Or perhaps, you’re already on the road when you hear a rapid sequence of clicking. If you’ve experienced this, it can be unsettling to not know what’s happening to your car. When you get to the mechanic, you’ll want to be able to accurately describe the sound and issue.
At City Auto Repair, we describe a car making a clicking noise as a sharp, brief, non-resonant sound, similar to pressing on a ballpoint pen. If you hear this sound in your car, discover what it means for your car!
When Does Your Car Make a Clicking Noise?
There are two times that cars typically make a clicking noise: when you’re trying to start the car and when you’re driving. When you notice this noise will help you determine the possible issue your car is having.
When Starting
If you hear a rapid sequence of clicking noises when you try to start the car, there’s really only one thing that could be causing the noise: your battery. Likely, your battery is either dying or already dead if you hear clicking as you try to start the engine. Car batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan in Florida, so if you hear a clicking noise and your car won’t start, it’s safe to assume it’s your battery.
If you hear one singular click when you try to start your car and your car won’t start, this may indicate that your ignition or starter motor is the culprit rather than the battery.
When Driving
If you hear the clicking noise while you’re driving, there can be several reasons for the sound.
- Engine Oil: Low or corroded engine oil can cause a myriad of problems for your car and is often the simplest fix to any given car issue. Your car’s oil acts as a lubricant for your car’s engine, so if you’re low on oil or if the oil is bad, you may hear a clicking sound from the engine’s parts not gliding smoothly.
- Brake Pads: If you notice the clicking sound when you’re braking or going at a slow speed, it could mean your brake pads need to be replaced or they weren’t installed properly. You’ll want to get this fixed quickly to avoid further issues with braking or brake failure.
- CV Axle: If the clicking is loudest when you turn, this indicates that your CV axle is the culprit. Likely a joint or shaft boot has worn down and is causing the clicking noise as you try to turn the car.
What to Tell Your Mechanic
The more details you can tell your mechanic about the clicking noise the better. As we mentioned above, pay attention to when you hear the clicking noise. Is it a rapid, fast sound? Is it a single click? Does it happen at high speeds or low speeds? Is it more prominent when you’re turning or braking? Does your car turn on at all? What area of the car does the clicking originate from? The answers to these questions will help your mechanic know where to look and what to do.
Enjoy a Quiet Car with City Auto Repair’s Diagnostics & Car Repair
Any noise coming from your car can be concerning. Don’t brush it off if you hear an unusual noise—bring your car to City Auto Repair to get it diagnosed! We’ll help you determine the root of the issue and provide you with a plan to get you back on the road in a quiet car!