Ever heard a strange noise coming from your Kia and wondered what could have gone wrong? Well, sometimes those odd sounds can be warning signals from your car letting you know it's time to give it some extra care before things get worse. Let's talk about five noises that mean you should probably give your Kia some attention sooner rather than later.

Grinding or Squealing Brakes

If you ever step on your brakes and hear a nasty screeching or grinding sound, it means your Kia is telling you that the brake pads are close to or have reached the end of their life. Brake pads have this little piece of metal that makes a loud noise on purpose when they're worn out and come in contact with the brake rotor, so you know it's time to change them.

If you keep driving without fixing it, it could cause problems for the brake rotor or other parts of your brake and make stopping your car harder and less safe. It’s very important to get a mechanic to take a look and probably put in some new brake pads to keep your rides smooth and safe again.

Clicking or Ticking Engine

When your Kia’s engine starts making clicking or ticking noises, just know that it needs some help under the hood. This could be because the engine is running low on oil and metals are touching each other, or something inside is not moving as smoothly as it should. It might not sound like a big deal at the beginning, but if you ignore it, it could turn into a huge problem that might even mean you need a whole new engine. It's a good idea to get a pro to check it out as soon as you can. They can figure out why it’s making that noise and fix it so your car runs quietly again.

Whining or Humming Transmission

Ever noticed a weird whining or humming sound that seems to get louder when you're driving your Kia? That could be your car telling you there's something not quite right with the transmission. Think of the transmission as the part of your car that makes sure you have the right amount of power when you're speeding up or slowing down.

If there's not enough fluid to keep everything running smoothly, or if the gears are getting worn out, it's going to start making noise. Leaving it be could mean you're looking at a big repair bill if the whole transmission decides to quit on you. Getting a mechanic to check it out ASAP can save you a lot of trouble and keep your car shifting gears smoothly.

Knocking Under the Hood

A knocking or pinging noise from under the hood is your engine trying to give out a distress signal. This could mean that the fuel and air inside the engine are not burning the way they’re supposed to, causing little bits of explosions that are not good for the engine and are not part of the regular combustion cycle.

If you ignore this problem, it can damage important parts inside your engine and make your car guzzle more gas. Best to have someone who knows their way around engines take a look, figure out why it's happening, and fix it to keep your Kia running right.

Rattling or Clunking Suspension

If you notice a rattling or clunky sound from your Kia when you hit a bump or drive on a not-so-smooth road, it's likely that your car's suspension - the system that helps your ride feel smoother—is worn out. Parts like bushings, ball joints, or shocks get tired after a lot of use. If you ignore these sounds, your car might not handle turns as well, your tires could wear out unevenly, and it might even get a bit risky to drive. Best to get a mechanic to check it out soon. They can figure out what parts need a refresh so your car can go back to cruising comfortably and safely.

Get Help From Royalty Auto Service Experts

At Royalty Auto Service, your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. We are experts with cars from Asia, like Kia, and we're here to help keep yours in top shape. If you're around St Marys, GA, or places close by like Amelia Island, Brunswick, King Bay Base, Woodbine, Yulee, or Kingsland, and your Kia starts making weird noises or acting up, we have you covered. Our shops are all set up with everything we need to fix up your car and we're all about doing a great job. If you need us, just put a call through to book an appointment.