High-Pitched Noise When Driving Slowly – What's Wrong?

Do you hear odd noises while driving your vehicle? Or does your car make high-pitched noises when you drive slowly? The truth is these noises are not good for you or your vehicle. You should check your car and have this fixed as soon as possible. However, locating the cause/source of the sound can be such a hassle.

High-pitched noise when driving slowly is a sign that some parts of your vehicle are beginning to wear out or malfunction. Usually, parts like belts, wheels, brake pads, exhaust system, and steering pumps are suspects when your car starts making such noises. 

Be sure not to overlook any high-pitched noise from your car because it is one of the leading causes of accidents and car breakdowns.  

Here, we will discuss the issues responsible for high-pitched noises when driving slowly. You'll also get to learn about possible solutions to the problem.

What Is The High-Pitched Noise That My Car Makes?

The high-pitched noise from a car in this reference is an irritatingly loud sound from some parts or components of the car. This noise is a result of the components undergoing wear and tear, or malfunctioning. 

You must be able to identify this sound and its source to prevent:

• your car from breaking down on the road
• causing accidents
• embarrassing attention from other drivers and passersby
• spending more money than you should on repairs

The easiest way to troubleshoot a squeaking noise in your car is to pay attention and listen to the sound. Then, do a visual inspection by jacking up the car to check out the components. You are to check for looseness and friction, and any other issues.

6 Reasons Why Your Car Makes A High-Pitched Noise When Driving Slowly

1) A Malfunctioning Alternator

The alternator is a generator that is used to distribute electricity to the car as well as recharge the battery. 

Note: Apart from the hybrid kinds, most vehicles with a normal combustion engine have alternators. 

To help you understand it further, the alternator has the size of a coconut, is typically placed in front of the car engine, and also has a belt running around it. 

Since the alternator supplies your car with the electricity it needs and also recharges the battery, it is, therefore, likely to experience wear and tear over a period of time. 

A malfunctioning alternator will not be able to properly charge the battery while the engine is on, and this can cause it to make a high-pitched noise. 

The solution is to take it for servicing by your mechanic or consider the option to replace it with a brand new one to prevent further damage to your battery. 

2) A slipping serpentine belt

A serpentine belt, also known as a drive belt, is a continuous belt in a car that is used to drive devices like the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and power steering pump. 

Due to the nature of its tasks and usage, the serpentine belt may slip or wear out because of excessive cracking, which is caused by:

• the rubber before drying,
• and the defectiveness of the tensioner.

Also, the slipping of the serpentine belt can be caused by friction between the belt and the drive pulleys. This can lead to overheating and the high-pitched sound that you hear while driving. 

If you notice all this, then it is a sign that you need to get a new serpentine belt, which may cost $25-75 and an additional $40-75 to fit at a workshop. 

3) Malfunctioning brake caliper

The brake caliper is the device in your car that holds your brake pads and pistons. It is built to slow down your car's tires by creating friction with the brake rotors. The brake caliper is a clamp-like feature that fits around the rotors to prevent the tires from turning when the brakes are stepped on.

After a while of usage, lack of servicing, or too much dirt and moisture on it, the brake caliper might begin to wear out and malfunction, thereby causing signs like;

• high-pitched noise
• dysfunctional brake ability and
• leaking brake fluids.

To prevent damage to your car, make sure to visit your mechanic as soon as possible for servicing or possible replacement of the faulty brake calipers. 

4) Brake rotors' high-pitched noise

Brake rotors are those circular disks that are connected to each wheel of your car and help slow the car down when the brake pedals are pressed. If your brake rotors are bad or malfunctioning, it can lead to problems when trying to stop the car. 

These malfunctions can be caused by: 

• the poor quality of the rotor,
• the type of brake pad,
• the driving conditions it is placed under,
• and overuse.

Malfunctioning rotors show signs of making high-pitched noises or grinding sounds. This sign tells you that your rotors are set for replacement or servicing.

After inspection, your mechanic may advise the replacement of the rotor in order to ensure your safety and the better performance of your car. 

It is also important to note that brake rotors can only last through two or three brake pad replacements before there is a crucial need for their replacement. 

5) Transmission issues

A transmission, also known as a gearbox, is built to transmit power that the engine generates to the wheels of the vehicle through the mechanical system of the gear. It also allows you to apply power to the car, which lets it move efficiently. 

If you hear a high-pitched noise coming from the transmission, it shows that there is a bad bearing or an internal problem. This high-pitched sound can also come from low transmission as a result of a leak.

Therefore, you must take your car to the repair shop for repair or replacement. You can also carry out the following servicing techniques to prevent high-pitched noises caused by transmission problems: 

• Inspect your transmission fluid regularly.
• Make sure to use the right type of fluid for your car
• Have your cooling system serviced every three months
• Flush your transmission system regularly
• Before driving out, allow your car to warm up.

6) Exhaust high-pitched noise

The exhaust component of the car is built to vent waste gas and fumes from it. But overtime the exhaust pipe can become clogged with dust and particles that find their way into it. 

This can result in the high-pitched noise that you hear from behind your car while you drive. If left unattended, it might lead to a breakdown of the car because fumes cannot freely be exhumed from the engine. 

So call your mechanic to do thorough cleaning and servicing of the car's exhaust pipe or suggest a replacement.

Is It Safe To Drive Your Car Like This?

No, do not drive in such a situation. When you hear your car make high-pitched noises, it is better to find a safe place to park and pay more attention to it.

Listen carefully to the noise coming from your car, and if it sounds like a major concern, get a mechanic to look at it so as to prevent tragic occurrences arising from malfunctioning.

What to Do If Your Car Starts Making High-Pitched Noises

• Identify the kind of sound
• Note down when the noise happens.
• Find out where the noise is coming from.

1) Identify the kind of sound

You must first identify the kind of sound to get the best result. You can start by mimicking the sounds you hear and provide your best version of it to your mechanic. Your mechanic will likely recognize the car noise you're trying to replicate.

2) Note down when the noise happens

When do you notice the noises from your car? Is it when you accelerate, brake, or do both? The answer can help you understand the part of the car that needs to be fixed.

3) Find where the noise is coming from

Identify the source of the noise, that is, the area or component producing the high-pitched noise. Then, capture clear audio recordings of the noise to help with the diagnosis and repair. This, along with other details, can help you with identifying and resolving the problem.

Conclusion

Since high-pitched noises are bad for the long-term efficiency of your car, it is important to know and identify their causes and sources.  

A piece of special equipment, like electronic ear sensors, comes in handy as a good car noise detector. You can listen to it to identify the cause of the noise by clipping it to various parts of your car. It is one of the safest ways of identifying high-pitched noises and preventing damage to your car.

You must also ensure that you provide your mechanic with a comprehensive detail of your car when you take it for servicing. It is crucial for identifying the cause of the problem. A qualified mechanic will use the information you provide to determine the best diagnosis and help you save money and time.