5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore
One Sound Could Be the Start of a Serious Problem — William Wells Tire & Auto Will Catch It Before It Costs You

Your car is smarter than you think — and it knows when something’s off. The first sign? Sound.

At William Wells Tire & Auto, we’ve helped drivers all across Starkville, Columbus, and West Point stay ahead of breakdowns by listening to the clues their car is giving them. Strange engine noises are not just quirks — they’re warnings. Ignoring them is one of the fastest ways to turn a small issue into a big, expensive repair.

Here are 5 engine noises you should never ignore, what they usually mean, and how we help fix them before they get worse.

1. Knocking or Pinging When You Step on the Gas

What it sounds like: A rhythmic knock, thump, or ping — often louder when accelerating.
What it could be: Pre-ignition or detonation — when the air/fuel mixture in your engine ignites at the wrong time.

This kind of engine knock creates shockwaves in the cylinder, leading to excessive pressure and heat. That means piston damage, bearing wear, and — if left alone — total engine failure.

Why it matters:
This is not a “wait and see” situation. These kinds of internal stresses only get worse — and they often end with a blown engine.

What to do:
Bring it to any William Wells Tire & Auto location. We’ll inspect your ignition timing, fuel system, and sensors. Caught early, the solution may be simple. Ignored, it gets expensive fast.

2. Grinding When You Start the Engine

What it sounds like: A harsh grinding or scraping sound during startup.
What it could be: A worn starter gear or flywheel teeth that aren’t meshing properly.

This noise means your starter motor is misaligned or the teeth on your flywheel are damaged. Keep cranking through it, and you'll soon be facing a no-start issue — and a potential tow.

Why it matters:
This is one of the most preventable breakdowns we see — and one of the most frustrating to deal with when it’s too late.

What to do:
Let our team at any of our three Mississippi locations test your starter system, inspect the flywheel, and repair the issue before you’re stranded.

3. Squealing From Under the Hood

What it sounds like: A loud, high-pitched squeal — especially during cold starts or when using A/C, power steering, or the heater.
What it could be: A slipping serpentine belt or a failing tensioner.

This belt runs essential components — alternator, power steering, A/C compressor, and water pump. If it snaps, several systems go down at once. That includes your cooling system — and in Mississippi heat, that can lead to overheating in minutes.

What to do:
We’ll inspect your belt, pulleys, and tensioner system to identify the weak link. Replacing a belt is quick and affordable. Letting it fail can ruin your day — and your engine.

4. Ticking That Speeds Up With RPM

What it sounds like: A rhythmic ticking or clicking noise that gets faster as the engine revs.
What it could be: Low oil pressure, worn valve lifters, or a stretched timing chain.

Ticking often means that key engine parts aren’t getting lubricated properly. That causes metal-on-metal contact, premature wear, and eventually major engine damage.

Why it matters:
This is one of the most ignored sounds — and one of the most damaging when it’s brushed off.

What to do:
Our technicians will run an oil pressure check, inspect the top end of your engine, and pinpoint where the issue is coming from. If it’s a lifter or oiling issue, we’ll catch it before it snowballs.

5. Hissing or Whistling While Idling or After Shutdown

What it sounds like: A faint hiss or sharp whistle, usually while the car is idling or cooling down.
What it could be: A vacuum leak, cracked hose, coolant escape, or small exhaust leak.

Vacuum leaks hurt performance and fuel economy. Coolant leaks silently raise the risk of overheating. Exhaust leaks can impact drivability — and, in some cases, safety.

What to do:
We use smoke diagnostics and leak tracing tools at all of our shops to pinpoint leaks early. If your car sounds like it’s leaking air or pressure, we’ll find out why — and fix it the right way.

Why Drivers Across the Golden Triangle Trust William Wells Tire & Auto

Because we listen before we wrench.

At William Wells Tire & Auto, we don’t guess. We diagnose. We don’t upsell. We explain. And we don’t just quiet the sound — we fix the cause behind it. With three convenient locations, certified technicians, and a local reputation built on trust, we’ve become the first call when something doesn’t sound right.

No pressure. No fluff. Just straight-up repairs done right the first time.

Hear Something Off? Bring It to William Wells Before It Gets Worse.

3 Locations to Serve You:

Starkville – 12919 MS-182 | 📞 (662) 268-4081
Columbus – 1625 Gardner Blvd | 📞 (662) 240-2414
West Point – 93 W Broad St | 📞 (662) 495-8558
🌐 www.williamwellstireandautorepair.com

Strange noises are warnings. Ignoring them is optional. Repairs don’t have to be painful — not when you catch them early.