ASK MABS: Strange Noises from the Car

Hello Mabs

My car has started making screeching sounds, but it only happens sometimes. I don’t want to panic or be taken advantage of by a mechanic, especially if it’s nothing serious. How do I know when a noise needs urgent attention?

Mabs Answers

That strange sound can be unsettling, I know. The trick is to notice when it happens. Is it on startup, when braking, turning, or driving over bumps? Intermittent noises are still worth checking, but they’re not always an emergency. My advice is to address it early before a small issue becomes an expensive one. Choose a trusted workshop and describe the sound clearly, even a voice note helps! In South Africa, preventative maintenance saves money in the long run. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct. Your car often whispers before it shouts.

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