PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Why does my car squeak when I drive?
My car seems to be running fine, but there’s a squeaking sound whenever I drive. What could be causing it?
Melanie Krieps Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Not only is a squeaky sound irritating, but it can also indicate a few serious issues that you should get checked out ASAP.
The most common reason for your car to squeak while driving is worn-out brake pads, especially if it’s only happening when you hit the brakes.
Let’s look at a few more possible causes:
- Worn brake pads: Brake pads are actually designed to squeak when it’s time to have your brakes checked.
- Loose fan belt: If your fan belt (also called the serpentine belt) is loose or worn out, your car will emit a high-pitched squeal when accelerating or starting your car in cold weather. This could also indicate a problem with your timing belt.
- Vacuum leak: If the sound is more of a whistle coming from under the hood, one of your hoses in the air intake system may be leaking.
- Low steering fluid: If you hear the squeak when turning, your power steering fluid may be low or contaminated.
- Worn-out ball joints: If the sound happens when you turn and adding power steering fluid didn’t fix the problem, your ball joints may be worn and need to be replaced.
- Faulty alternator: The most serious cause is a faulty alternator, which will cause a squeaky noise coming from your engine. This could also include a burning smell and a warning light on your dash. You should always get your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible if you notice any unusual sounds coming from your vehicle. The earlier on you can catch a problem, the likelier it is you’ll keep your vehicle protected from more serious damage later on.
MORE: How to react when your car makes a noise when accelerating
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies