5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore (Salt Lake City Drivers, Listen Up!)

If you’ve ever heard your car make a weird noise and thought, “Eh, it’s probably fine,” — you’re not alone. Most of us have done it. The problem is, engines have a way of whispering before they scream. Ignoring small engine noises today often leads to costly fixes down the road.

Here in Salt Lake City, with our mountain roads, unpredictable weather, and busy commutes, your engine takes on more stress than you might think. Paying attention to what it’s trying to tell you — especially through unusual sounds — can save you a lot of frustration (and money).

Let’s go over five engine noises you should never ignore and what they’re really trying to say.

1. Knocking or Pinging — The Sound of Trouble

That metallic knocking or pinging sound when you accelerate isn’t “just the engine working hard.” It’s usually a sign your fuel is igniting unevenly — something mechanics call “engine knock.”

This can happen when you’re using low-quality gas, have carbon buildup, or your timing’s off. Left unchecked, knocking can damage pistons and bearings, which means thousands in repairs.

What you can do:  Try premium gas for a bit and see if the noise eases up. If not, it’s your cue to call in a mechanic. In Salt Lake’s thinner mountain air, this issue tends to show up more often — so don’t put it off.

2. Squealing Belts — A Cry for Help

If your car screams at you when you start it on a cold morning or turn on the A/C, it’s likely a worn or loose belt. That little squeal might not seem serious, but the belt controls critical systems like your alternator and power steering.

If it snaps, your car could overheat or lose power steering — not something you want to experience in Salt Lake City traffic.

What you can do:  Pop the hood and take a quick look. If the belt looks cracked, glazed, or frayed, schedule a replacement soon. Taking care of it today could save you from a costly repair tomorrow.

3. Ticking or Clicking — The Sound of a Thirsty Engine

A steady ticking or clicking that speeds up with your RPMs is your engine’s way of saying, “I’m running low on oil!” Sometimes it’s just a quart low; other times, it’s a sign that oil isn’t circulating properly.

What you can do:  Check your oil level right away. Go ahead and refill the oil, but don’t ignore the reason it’s low. You might be due for an oil change, or there could be a small leak that’s worth catching early.

In Salt Lake City’s stop-and-go traffic, oil breaks down faster, so stick to regular oil changes even if you’re not hitting the mileage right on schedule.

4. Hissing or Whistling — The Leak You Can Hear

That faint hiss or whistle when your car’s idling might sound harmless, but it’s often a leak — and leaks are never good news. Sometimes that hiss comes from a leaky vacuum line, a seeping coolant hose, or a tiny exhaust gap.

Vacuum leaks can cause rough idling and poor gas mileage, while coolant leaks can lead to overheating. And an exhaust leak can let dangerous fumes into your cabin — a definite no-go.

What you can do: Pop the hood while the engine’s running and listen carefully. If you hear hissing, don’t try to find it with your hands — hot components can burn you. Instead, call a trusted mechanic. Salt Lake’s wild temperature swings can make hoses crack over time, so catching a small leak early can save you big money later.

5. Grinding When Starting — A Starter in Distress

When you turn the key and hear a harsh grinding noise, that’s your starter motor struggling to do its job. It might be worn out or not connecting properly with the flywheel.

Keep forcing it, and you’ll likely be calling for a tow sooner than you think.

What you can do: Don’t ignore that grinding. A mechanic can quickly test your starter system and replace it if needed. The best part? With SLC Fleet Pro Mobile Mechanic, we come to you — home, office, or job site — anywhere in Salt Lake City. No towing. No waiting room. Just honest, convenient service.

When Your Engine Talks, It’s Time to Listen

Engines rarely fail without warning — they usually whisper first. A soft squeal, a gentle knock, or a faint hiss might seem harmless, but those little sounds are your car’s early SOS. It’s like brushing off a small leak until you’re ankle-deep in water.

By paying attention and getting help early, you can save yourself stress, money, and downtime — and keep your car running smoothly through every Salt Lake City season.

So next time your car starts making strange noises, don’t drown them out with the radio. Listen. Act. Protect your investment.

If you’re hearing something unusual under the hood, reach out to SLC Fleet Pro Mobile Mechanic — Salt Lake City’s trusted mobile repair team. We’ll come to you, pinpoint the problem, and get your vehicle running quietly again — no tow trucks, no waiting rooms, just honest service wherever you are. 

Call us today and let’s stop those engine noises before they turn into major repairs.