5 Car Noises Blooming Prairie Drivers Should Not Ignore

Have you ever rolled down your window at a stoplight only to wonder, "Was that my car making that sound?" You're not alone. Strange noises are one of the most common early warning signs that something is not quite right with your vehicle. Whether it's a subtle squeak or a jarring bang, listening to your car can literally save you hundreds of dollars.

At Darrick's Preferred Auto in Blooming Prairie, MN, we know what these sounds mean and how quickly things can go wrong if you ignore them. Let’s break down the top five car noises you should never shrug off and explain what might happen if you do.

1. Screeching or Squealing When You Brake

If your car sounds like it's auditioning for a horror movie every time you tap the brakes, you may have worn-out brake pads. The squealing is often caused by a metal indicator that rubs against the rotor to alert you that it is time for a replacement.

Ignore it and you risk:

Damaging your rotors (which are much more expensive)
Losing braking efficiency, which puts you and others at risk
Turning a $150 fix into a $600 or more repair

👉 Learn more about brake noises and what they mean.

Brake systems are your car's most important safety feature. When the pads wear down and you hear that high-pitched screech, it's the equivalent of your car waving a red flag. And if you continue driving like nothing's wrong, you risk grinding the rotors and damaging the calipers. Once those components are compromised, your repair costs climb steeply. Regular brake checks are one of the best ways to avoid being surprised by a brake system failure.

2. Grinding When Shifting Gears

Grinding noises when shifting in either an automatic or manual vehicle could point to issues with your transmission or clutch.

What it might mean:

Low or old transmission fluid
Worn-out clutch components
Damaged gear synchronizers

Ignore it and you risk:

Catastrophic transmission failure
Repair bills that could reach between $2,000 and $4,000

This is not a sound to brush off. Transmission issues can go from bad to worse in a hurry. If the problem is caught early, a simple fluid flush or minor repair could solve it. But if left alone, your car might soon refuse to shift at all, leaving you stranded or facing a total transmission replacement.

3. Knocking from Under the Hood

A rhythmic knocking or tapping sound from your engine is your car's way of signaling distress.

What it might mean:

Worn engine bearings
Low oil levels
Detonation due to fuel igniting too early

Ignore it and you risk:

Engine failure
Full rebuilds that can cost more than the vehicle is worth

If you hear knocking, check your oil level immediately. Knocking sounds usually mean metal parts are rubbing together due to lack of lubrication. And once metal-on-metal damage begins, you’re looking at an uphill battle to save your engine. Preventive maintenance like regular oil changes can extend the life of your engine and save you thousands of dollars.

4. Hissing After You Turn Off the Engine

Notice a hissing sound right after shutting off the engine? That is likely escaping steam or fluid from a leaky system.

Possible culprits:

Leaking coolant or vacuum lines
Overheating issues
Cracked or loose hoses

Ignore it and you risk:

Engine overheating
Complete breakdown on the road
Damage to systems like the radiator or head gasket

A hissing sound means something is leaking, and that pressure loss can escalate quickly. Coolant leaks often start as small drips, but without proper fluid levels, your engine can overheat. Once it overheats, it can warp metal parts or blow a head gasket, which are very expensive to fix. Better to stop by and let us check your cooling system before a minor leak becomes a major headache.

5. Clicking While Turning

A clicking or popping noise when you make a turn usually points to a failing CV (constant velocity) joint.

What it might mean:

Worn or torn CV boots
Grease leakage
Axle shaft wear

Ignore it and you risk:

Losing steering control
Costly axle replacement

This one’s especially important for safety. CV joints allow the wheels to move with the suspension and steering system, but when they start to fail, they make their complaints known. As the joint deteriorates further, your handling will suffer. If it fails completely, you might lose control of the vehicle. Repairing a CV joint early is far cheaper and safer than replacing the entire axle.

The Bottom Line: Your Car Talks. Listen Up.

Every squeal, knock, and hiss is your car trying to tell you something. Ignoring these sounds will not make them go away. On the contrary, the longer you wait, the more likely you are to face expensive repairs, towing fees, or worse, a dangerous breakdown.

At Darrick's Preferred Auto, we specialize in identifying these noises and fixing them fast. We have proudly served Blooming Prairie and nearby towns like Austin, Owatonna, Hayfield, and Albert Lea since 2002. Our shop has grown to a 15-member team, and we are known for our friendly service and "Fix it fast, fix it RIGHT" philosophy.

👉 Want to dig deeper into car sounds? Check out our full guide here.

If you hear any of the sounds we talked about, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Let our ASE-certified team take a look. You might just save yourself a lot of money, time, and trouble.

Need Help Now? Call Darrick's Preferred Auto Today

If your car is making strange sounds, do not wait until it is too late. Call 507-583-9994 or visit us at 540 US-218 in Blooming Prairie. We will help you catch the problem before it becomes a disaster.

Darrick's Preferred Auto. Fast. Friendly. Family Oriented.

Contact Information:

Darrick's Preferred Auto

540 Highway 218
Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
United States

Darrick Schewe
https://www.darrickspreferredauto.com/