Sometimes without realizing it, a car that used to run smoothly suddenly starts to "sing" with strange noises ranging from squeaking and humming to knocking. It's really annoying, isn't it? But don't be too quick to cover your ears, because it could be a sign that a component is starting to malfunction.

Yep, strange noises from your car aren't just minor annoyances. In fact, they could be your car's way of saying, "Hey, I need some attention!" So, to avoid misdiagnosis, let's identify some of the most common types of noises, their causes, and how to fix them.

1. Squeaking Sound from the Fan Belt

If you hear a "squeak-squeak" sound when the engine is turned on, it's likely that the culprit is the fan belt. This usually occurs due to age, dirt buildup on the pulley, decreased fan belt tension, or a fan belt that does not meet specifications.

In addition to being annoying, a problematic fan belt can also interfere with the performance of the AC, alternator, and water pump.

Quick solutions:

• Spray soapy water on the fan belt (for emergency conditions).
• Apply a little oil or lubricant.
• Use a special fan belt cleaning fluid (but not too much, or it will slip!).

2. Buzzing Sound from the AC Compressor

If the AC starts to "buzz" every time it is turned on, it could be because the compressor is worn out, lacks lubrication, or has an oil leak. This usually occurs in cars that are over 5 years old.

How to fix it:

• Replace the compressor bearing if it is worn out.
• Add compressor oil.
• Flush the AC to clean the system thoroughly.

If left unattended, the AC may no longer cool properly.

3. Knocking Sound from the Engine

This is quite serious. If you hear a soft knocking sound when the engine is running, there may be a problem in the combustion chamber, ranging from worn spark plugs, carbon buildup, to low-octane fuel.

Solutions:

• Use fuel as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Add fuel additives to clean the combustion chamber.

Don't ignore this symptom, as it can cause decreased engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and a shorter engine life.

4. Squeaking Sound from the Suspension

The suspension can also be a source of noise, especially if the shock absorbers are worn out, the bushings are cracked, or the stabilizer links are damaged. The result? The car feels unstable and makes for an uncomfortable ride.

The best solution: replace damaged components to restore normal handling.

5. Humming Noise from Under the Car

A "humming" noise from under the car can come from various sources—bulging tires, worn wheel bearings, transmission problems, or a weakening alternator.

How to fix it:

• Check the condition of the tires and wheel bearings.
• Replace them if they are severely damaged.
• Ensure the electrical system and suspension are in top condition.

6. Rumbling Sound Under the Car

If the sound is louder, like a rumble, it could be due to worn-out rubber bushings, tie rods, or ball joints. The solution is clear: replace the faulty parts to restore the car's quietness and comfort.

Conclusion

The bottom line is, strange noises in your car should never be ignored. Sometimes small problems can become big if not addressed in time. Perform regular maintenance and always be responsive to any symptoms that arise. If you are still unsure of the source of the noise, take it to an authorized repair shop or consult a professional mechanic.

A healthy car is not just about appearance, but also about clean sounds to the ears! 

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Suara Aneh dari Mobil? Waspada, Itu Bisa Jadi Tanda Kerusakan Serius!

Kadang tanpa disadari, mobil yang tadinya halus mendadak “bernyanyi” dengan suara aneh mulai dari berdecit, berdengung, sampai terdengar ketukan. Ganggu banget, ya? Tapi jangan buru-buru tutup kuping, karena bisa jadi itu adalah sinyal kalau ada komponen yang mulai rusak.

Yup, suara-suara aneh dari mobil bukan sekadar gangguan kecil. Justru, itu bisa jadi “bahasa” mobil buat bilang: “Hei, aku butuh perhatian nih!” Nah, biar gak salah diagnosis, yuk kenali beberapa jenis suara yang paling sering muncul, penyebabnya, dan cara mengatasinya.

1. Suara Berdecit dari Fan Belt

Kalau terdengar “ciiit-ciiit” saat mesin dinyalakan, besar kemungkinan biang keroknya ada di fan belt. Biasanya terjadi karena umur pakai, kotoran yang menumpuk di pulley, kekencangan fan belt yang menurun, atau kualitas sabuk kipas yang tidak sesuai spesifikasi.

Selain mengganggu, fan belt yang bermasalah juga bisa bikin AC, alternator, dan water pump terganggu performanya.

Solusi cepatnya:

• Semprot air sabun ke fan belt (untuk kondisi darurat).
• Oleskan sedikit oli atau gemuk pelumas.
• Gunakan cairan pembersih khusus fan belt (tapi jangan kebanyakan, nanti malah selip!).

2. Suara Mendengung dari Kompresor AC

Kalau AC mulai “berdengung” setiap kali dinyalakan, bisa jadi karena kompresornya aus, kurang pelumasan, atau olinya bocor. Biasanya hal ini muncul pada mobil yang sudah berumur di atas 5 tahun.

Cara mengatasinya:

• Ganti bearing kompresor jika sudah aus.
• Tambahkan oli kompresor.
• Lakukan flushing AC untuk membersihkan sistemnya secara menyeluruh.

Kalau dibiarkan, bisa-bisa AC malah gak dingin lagi.

3. Suara Ketukan dari Mesin (Engine Knocking)

Nah, yang ini cukup serius. Kalau terdengar ketukan halus saat mesin hidup, bisa jadi ada masalah di ruang bakar mulai dari busi aus, timbunan karbon, hingga bahan bakar beroktan rendah.

Solusi:

• Gunakan bahan bakar sesuai rekomendasi pabrikan.
• Tambahkan aditif bahan bakar untuk membersihkan ruang bakar.

Jangan remehkan gejala ini, karena bisa bikin performa mesin turun, konsumsi bahan bakar boros, dan umur mesin jadi pendek.

4. Suara Berdecit dari Suspensi

Suspensi juga bisa jadi sumber suara, terutama kalau shockbreaker aus, bushing retak, atau link stabilizer rusak. Hasilnya? Mobil terasa gak stabil dan bikin perjalanan gak nyaman.

Solusi terbaik: ganti komponen yang sudah rusak biar handling kembali normal.

5. Suara Mendengung dari Kolong Mobil

Bunyi “nguuung” dari kolong bisa datang dari berbagai sumber—ban yang benjol, bearing roda aus, transmisi bermasalah, atau alternator yang mulai lemah.

Cara mengatasinya:

• Cek kondisi ban dan bearing roda.
• Ganti kalau memang sudah rusak parah.
• Pastikan sistem kelistrikan dan suspensi masih dalam kondisi prima.

6. Suara Gemuruh di Kolong Mobil

Kalau suara yang muncul lebih “berisik” seperti gemuruh, bisa jadi karet bushing arm, tie rod, atau ball joint sudah aus. Solusinya jelas: ganti part yang bermasalah biar mobil kembali senyap dan nyaman.

Kesimpulan

Intinya, suara-suara aneh di mobil jangan pernah diabaikan. Kadang masalah kecil bisa jadi besar kalau telat ditangani. Lakukan perawatan rutin dan selalu tanggap dengan gejala yang muncul. Kalau masih ragu sumber suaranya dari mana, langsung aja bawa ke bengkel resmi atau konsultasikan ke mekanik profesional.

Mobil yang sehat bukan cuma soal tampilan, tapi juga soal suara yang clean di telinga!