Why My Car Makes Humming Noise When Accelerating?

Are you annoyed with your car making strange noises? Do you know what to do if your car makes humming noise when accelerating at low speed? Are you wondering why the humming noise in car getting louder with speed? If yes, then you are not alone! It is a known problem that many car users face, and that’s why we came up with this comprehensive guide to help all the car enthusiasts like you.

Is your car supposed to make noise? Well, noises are part of driving. Apart from the sounds of pebbles hitting the car’s floor, most of us are well familiar with the continuous hum of the engine. In fact, as we drive across the road regularly, we get used to the noises that come out of our vehicles.

Thus, whenever there is something unusual, it’s enough to frown upon. Be it an odd humming noise from the engine or the rattling sound while closing the door, your car sounds unusual only when some parts of it are working unusually.

However, identifying the weird or unwanted car sounds and understanding their reasons will eventually help you keep your car in decent condition. But, it’s not easy to pinpoint the source. Especially if you’re a new car owner or driver and don’t know your car in and out yet, things may seem confusing as it is.

Don’t worry! Here we have prepared a complete guide to help you identify different car noises that you should never ignore and learn how to fix if car makes humming noise when accelerating or turning at low speed.

So, before checking out the possible causes and solutions to eliminate the humming noise coming from the car, let’s first understand the unwanted car sounds and what they mean.

10 Different Car Noises and What They Mean?

Turning on the stereo at a high volume just to ignore the knocking or squealing sounds in your car is never going to help you in the long run; instead, paying attention to each of the noises that bother you while driving is what you need to do.

And that’s why here we are going to talk about some of the most common and different types of car noises that you must know to avoid a bump in the road. So, let’s check out the unusual car sounds you should not ignore. Here we go:

Car Engine is Making a Knocking Sound

A knocking sound from the car’s engine is something that needs your immediate attention. Therefore, if you hear that noise while accelerating smoothly through a less congested roadway, the problem might be something serious.

There can be multiple reasons why your car’s engine is making a knocking sound. Starting from the use of low octane gasoline to a clogged fuel tank, anything can cause the problem.

Not only that, but if the engine sounds resemble more of a popping sound, then a dirty or worn spark plug can also create the noise. You can’t be sure of the reason until you talk to a professional about it.

Hence, stopping by your mechanic and getting the engine knocking sound checked is the best option you have to resolve the problem.

Car Making a High-Pitched Squealing Noise

A high-pitched squealing noise is one of the most annoying car noises, and you should never ignore it. The noise actually can have different versions as it can come from various parts of your car.

Generally, car owners complain about the particular noise either while accelerating or when applying the breaks. The squealing sound on acceleration indicates that the engine belt has got loosened or it’s slipping on a pulley.

Even if the drive pulley of an accessory such as an air conditioner or water pump gets misaligned, you will have to hear the high-pitched squealing sound in your car.

Do you hear the squealing noise while applying breaks? Then the problem might be associated with the brake pads and shoes. If the brake rotors or pads or shoes have dirt on them, then the high-pitched squealing sounds are just obvious.

Alongside that, it can also be a sign that your brake pad or shoes got worn and need a replacement.

A Hissing Noise Coming from Under the Hood

As you hit the brakes and stop the car, you hear a hissing noise from under the hood. It is the noise of a liquid leaking on a hot exhaust pipe or engine block. If you find the hissing sound just after turning off the engine, the reason is most likely to be a coolant or engine oil leakage.

On the other hand, if you hear the hissing noise while accelerating, it’s more likely to be a vacuum leak. A vacuum leak from any of the engine air intake hoses can cause a hissing sound while accelerating.

Check your car with your mechanic and explain the timing of the noise to identify and repair the leakage.

Car Makes a Clicking Sound When Turning

Is your car making a cyclic clicking sound that increases while accelerating or taking turns? When turning the steering wheel, this noise must be coming from the CV joints of your car. These joints transmit power at a constant speed and are primarily used in front-wheel drive vehicles.

You need to check the CV axle shaft. When it breaks, the grease starts to leak, and the parts get dry. That’s why it starts making clicking sounds.

Your technician may check if it is a problem with the shaft or the part only requires greasing. If the shaft has gone bad, it will need replacement.

Car Makes Humming Noise When Accelerating

Sometimes you may notice that the humming noise in car is getting louder with speed. If it’s happening with your vehicle, it’s time to go to the mechanic.

There are several reasons why a car makes a humming sound. If you have a manual transmission and the sound comes as you change the gears, it can be a problem with the transmission or gear shaft.

If the humming sound increases as you hit the brakes, it can be due to failed brake parts. If the sound comes from under the car, it may be possible that your differential needs greasing.

In short, what you need is to listen to the sounds attentively and figure out when they start. If you supply your mechanic with accurate information, it will be easy for him to find out the problem for you and fix it quickly.

Car Making Grinding Noise When Braking

The intermittent humming noise from the car can be frustrating, but sometimes, it is coupled with a grinding noise as you hit the brakes. It sounds as if a piece of metal is grinding on metal.

If the sound is metallic, it can be worn-out brake pads, grinding on the brake disc rotors. If you have a manual transmission car and you hear grinding while braking, it is due to inadequate transmission.

When the differentials lose their grease, or the gearbox might be low on oil, it causes a grinding sound. Also, the universal joints make the grinding or whirring sounds when they are worn out.

Take your car to the mechanic and tell him the sound and its timing. The defective part may need replacement.

Car Makes Whining Noise When Turning Steering Wheel

We all can agree no one likes a steering wheel that makes noise when turning. Isn’t it? The whining noise when turning the steering wheel is a big deal and must not be ignored at any cost.

It can be a water pump failure or a failed air conditioning, but sometimes it is more severe than that. They whine when you turn the steering wheel to an extreme point, indicating a strained power steering pump.

It is a widespread problem with hydraulic power steering and can cost you dearly if you ignore it. If the whining is continuous, you have already damaged your steering pump.

A professional mechanic can fix it quickly by replacing it.

Clunking Noise When Braking at Low Speeds

Why does my car clunk when slowing down? This is a common query of most car users who feel irritated due to the clunking noise when they brake.

Clunking noise when braking is one of the car noises you should never ignore. There are several reasons why the car is making such clunking noise.

Do you hear the noise when you ride over a bump? It may be a loose exhaust pipe or a bad shock absorber, indicating failed suspension. Also, if your braking pads or discs go bad, they make a clunking sound when you brake at low speed.

A bad steering wheel can also cause such noise if you damage it while turning the car to the extreme. Note the sound and its timing and pay a visit to the mechanic.

Car Making Thumping Noise While Driving

The car sounds like it has a flat tire but doesn’t, and the car makes thump sound when driving slow; these are some of the common issues faced by car owners. A thumping sound while driving problem surfaces when you have not replaced your tires in a long while.

Tires have life, and timely replacements are recommended. The reason behind the thumping sound is that the tread in the tire has shifted or it was not appropriately placed in the first place.

You can check your car on your own for the shifted tread. Drive your car at high speed in deserted parking or road and then leave the steering wheel as the car catches speed. If the steering wheel veered off from right to left and left to right, there is a problem.

Take your car to a mechanic and tell him about your problem and the test. Most probably, the tires will need replacement.

Car Making Squeaking Noise When Driving Slow

If your car makes noises when accelerating at low speed, worn-out capillaries, brake pads, and brake discs are culprits. The calipers squeeze brake pads as you hit brakes, and the friction stops the car or slows it down.

When these parts are worn out, and they are not fixed properly, or if they need lubrication, in that cases, they make the squeaking sound that indicates that your car needs attention.

The squeaking noise while driving but not brakes applied is normal if you are driving at high speed. But when the car squeaks while driving at a slower speed, visit the mechanic.

You might also like: How to Reduce Wind Noise in Car at High Speeds (9 Ways)

Why My Car Makes Humming Noise When Accelerating?

Now that you know about some of the most common car noises and what they mean, it’s time to focus and figure out what causes a loud humming noise in car, and what to do if your car makes humming noise when accelerating and turning at low speed.

Here we have thoroughly explained the 6 best ways to fix a car making a humming noise when accelerating at low speed and getting louder with speed. So, let’s check them out:

Cause #1: Wheel Bearing Going Bad

When a wheel bearing goes bad, it shows several symptoms, and the most prominent of them is a loud humming noise coming from the front of the car. If you hear a metallic sound or grinding sound while driving, the wheel bearing needs replacement.

A wheel bearing is a vital part of a vehicle that sits between axle and wheel. There are steel bearings that are held together by a rotating disc. A car needs to run smoothly. If there is any problem with bearings, the tire starts to wobble and makes a sound. The wheels suffer more friction, and the life of tires is also reduced.

If you are sure that bad wheel bearings are the culprit, then do not drive your car at all. In case the damage to the wheel bearings is severe, the wheel may come off when you are driving, and it can cause an accident. Better call a mechanic in and get your wheel bearings replaced as quickly as possible.

Cause #2: A Bad Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is one of the prerequisites for a smooth car ride. In case of any discrepancy in this department, the car makes a humming noise when driving. All four tires of the car have to remain aligned. What a wheel misalignment does can be understood by an example.

Imagine a car with one of its tires as that of a tractor. How is it going to run? The example may sound extreme, but even the difference of a centimeter can cause major problems.

The result of such misalignment is clearly visible on your car tires. You will find that one of the treads is worn out. This is because only one part of the tire touches the road while the other one is tilted in the air.

You can also feel your steering wheel pulling to one side, which is another significant indication of wheel misalignment. So, before doing anything, firstly check your wheels if your car makes humming noise when accelerating, turning, or driving at a low speed.

Please take it to the mechanic as soon as possible, or it will start reducing your mileage and affect your entire car.

Cause #3: The Engine Related Issues

If you hear a humming noise from the engine, do not ignore it at all. Your car’s heart is at risk, and you must look for the cause of humming noise while driving. There are several problems that can cause such unusual noise. and some of these are:

• Loose Belt: There are several belts in your car, but the two most prominent of them are the serpentine belt and timing belt. The serpentine belt takes care of the power steering pump, alternator, water pump, and air conditioning. The timing belt ensures proper sync between the crankshaft and camshaft. These belts start to loosen up after their life and make sounds.

• Leakage: Sometimes. when you hear a hissing noise or a burning smell in your car, there is a chance the leakage can cause these kinds of sounds in your car. It can be a coolant leakage, oil leakage, or fuel leakage. A loose gasket is a culprit many times. But if you can’t figure it out on your own, get your car checked to avoid any problems in the future.

• Power Systems: If you have a faulty power system, it makes a distinct clicking or grinding sound. It can be your power steering wheel or battery problems. In any case, your car needs a thorough checkup.

Cause #4: The Transmission Issues

A failed transmission also causes a loud humming sound in the car, and low transmission fluids cause it to make low gurgling noise. You must check the fluids in the car regularly as excess air in the transmission line causes the sounds and may create problems in the future.

Modern cars with automatic transmission are more complex, and you never know which part is the culprit. Automatic transmissions have a planetary gear system that makes a grinding noise, indicating a problem. A maintenance check at the earliest is the best way to get rid of the problem.

Another symptom is the intermittent humming noise from the car or the whining you hear when the car is running, and you shift gears. A problem in the torque converter can cause the whining that you hear from the transmission while accelerating. If the whining continues when you reverse the car, it may be a clogged transmission line.

Getting regular maintenance and checkup of your car can help you deal with this problem.

Cause #5: The Steering Problems

A bad power steering pump can be the cause of the humming noise you hear while driving. Extreme and frequent turns can damage the steering pump as it is strained, and it makes a clunking or grinding noise. The issues with the steering wheel can be:

• A misalignment of tires can cause your steering wheel to stay in a turned position, which causes damage to the power steering pump. So, if the steering wheel is not neutral, you hear noises.

• A loose steering belt is another reason. With time, the steering belt loosens up, and it can cause serious problems, including accidents. It needs immediate replacement.

To diagnose the problem, listen to your car sounds carefully and what triggers them. Don’t make any presumptions. Try to find the exact source of the noise, or if it is caused when you accelerate, decelerate, or turn the car. Then, take the car to a professional and relay everything.

Cause #6: The Cylinder Compression Issues

The basic knowledge of the car is a car owner’s best line of defense so that in case of any unusual events, the problem can be diagnosed, and its severity can be assessed. One such process in a car is compression.

The air and fuel mix up in a determined ratio, and as you start the engine, the spark plug fires the fuel, and it starts the car. It makes a roar. It may be a cylinder compression issue if you notice the engine humming when accelerating, too louder than usual.

If the compression is high, the car makes a loud noise. If the compression is low, the car does not start in one go or may misfire. Low compression can be caused by a bad head gasket, which releases the gas and leaks the fuel. Pistons can also cause low compression as heat makes holes in them. Then there are valves.

Carbon clogs can cause high compression as carbon deposits get stuck to the valves. In this case, healthy valves are the only remedy.

Based on the noises, you can figure out the problem, and if you are capable of changing the defective parts, it’s good. But it’s recommended that you don’t do it yourself, take the car to a professional.

Car Making Humming Noise When Accelerating – Author’s View

To assess your car’s problem, you need to listen to it attentively. Yes, noises are part of driving but don’t ignore them if you hear anything unusual. It can or can’t be a minor issue. Listen closely and figure out the kind of sound it is making. We discussed in detail all the common car noises and what they mean.

You can refer to it and assess the severity of the issue. The car making a humming noise when driving; the car makes noise when accelerating at low speed, the engine makes noise when accelerating, there is noise when turning the steering wheel, etc. These are all unusual sounds.

This article discusses unwanted car noises and what they mean, why the car makes such humming noises, and some of the best ways to fix car making humming noise when accelerating or turning at low speed. However, make sure you run timely checkups for the car, and regular maintenance is also essential to keep it in mint condition and ensure there is no noise to make you stop on the driveway.

That’s all; if you have any more queries on the topic “Why my car makes humming noise when accelerating at low speed?”, feel free to reach us through the comment section below. You can also check our other guides to get insights on different car and pickup truck problems. Thanks for reading!

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