Cutter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat Honolulu

Oct 5, 2022
A male mechanic in glasses and a blue uniform works on the exhaust pipe of a car on a lift.

Key Takeaways:

  • Helicopter-like sounds can arise from something as simple as a loose exhaust pipe to more severe issues like engine troubles.
  • If you hear a helicopter sound coming from under the hood, it could be because of loose pulleys.
  • If your car’s engine starts to fail, it can make a helicopter sound due to metal parts grinding against each other inside the engine.
  • If one or more tires have low pressure, it can make your car sound like a helicopter because the tire cannot grip the road and make a humming noise as it rotates.
  • If your car starts to make helicopter-like sounds, it is essential to take action right away.

Have you ever faced a situation where suddenly your car started to make helicopter-like sounds after driving for a while? These are strange and worrying car sounds, and it can be hard to figure out what’s causing them.

There are various reasons why cars might start making such sounds. The sounds can arise from something as simple as a loose exhaust pipe or more severe problems like engine troubles. Here are some commonly known reasons why your car may sound like a helicopter:

1. Loose Exhaust Pipe

If your exhaust pipe is loose, it can cause your car to make a helicopter-like sound. This is the problem with the mounts or brackets holding the exhaust pipe. You’ll need to have a mechanic take a look at this and tighten or replace the mounts.

2. Worn Spark Plugs

Another common reason why your car may sound like a helicopter is because of worn spark plugs. This can cause your engine to misfire, creating a choppy sound. You’ll likely also notice that your car is having trouble starting, and the engine may run rough.

3. Loose Pulleys

If you hear a helicopter sound coming from under the hood, it could be because of loose pulleys. The pulleys are responsible for moving various engine components, such as the alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. If they become loose, they’ll create a rattling sound.

4. Engine Trouble

If your car’s engine starts to fail, it can make a helicopter sound. This is usually due to metal parts grinding against each other inside the engine. You’ll need to have a mechanic check this out and see if you need to have your engine repaired or replaced .

5. Low Tire Pressure

If one or more tires have low pressure, it can make your car sound like a helicopter. This is because the tire cannot grip the road and makes a humming noise as it rotates. You’ll need to examine your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the proper level.

6. Wheel Bearing Failure

If your car’s wheel bearings fail, they cannot rotate smoothly and make a grinding noise. You’ll need to have your wheel bearings checked and replaced by a mechanic.

7. Exhaust Leak

An exhaust leak can also make your car sound like a helicopter. It’s because the exhaust gases are escaping from the engine and making a noise as they travel through the exhaust system. You’ll need to have your exhaust system checked for leaks by a mechanic.

8. Worn-Out Brake Pads

Worn-out brake pads can also cause your car to sound like a helicopter. This is because the brake pads cannot grip the rotors properly, causing them to make a grinding noise. You’ll need to have your brake pads checked and replaced by a mechanic.

9. Loose Suspension

Loose suspension components cannot dampen the vibrations properly, causing them to make a noise. You’ll need to have your suspension checked and repaired by a mechanic.

10. Worn-Out Tires

When the treads on the tires are worn out, it causes them to make a humming noise as they rotate. You’ll need to have your tires examined and maintained by a professional.

Ways To Prevent Helicopter Sounds

A tow truck driver secures a blue car onto a tow bed with straps.

Car Servicing

You can prevent your car from sounding like a helicopter through car servicing regularly. This will ensure that all the components in your vehicle are working correctly and that there are no loose parts.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure levels ensure that the tires are inflated correctly and are not worn down too quickly.

Suspension Check

Regular suspension check ensures that the components are working correctly and are not loose.

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment ensures that the wheels are correctly aligned and not causing any vibrations.

Car Brakes

Correctly maintained brakes ensure they are not wearing down too quickly and working correctly.

Car Exhaust

Getting the exhaust system checked prevents unpleasant car sounds. It ensures that there are no leaks and that the system is functioning correctly.

Car Battery Check

Regularly checking the car’s battery ensures that the car battery is working correctly and not overcharging.

What Are the Causes That Lead to Car Sounds?

Bad Driving Habits

Rough driving is one of the leading causes of various kinds of sounds. Speeding, driving on bumpy roads, and overloading the car can all lead to disturbing sounds.

Inadequately Maintained Car

Another common cause of sounds is an improperly maintained car. It includes not changing the oil regularly, not checking the tire pressure, and not getting the car serviced regularly.

Damaged Car Parts

If any car parts are damaged, it can lead to car sounds. It can be because of something as minimal as a loose muffler or a cracked exhaust pipe.

Worn Out Parts

Worn-out parts are another common cause of car sounds. When car parts are not replaced or repaired, they can start making noise.

Related: Pros and Cons of Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Car .

What To Do the First Time Your Car Starts to Make Helicopter Sounds?

If your car starts to make helicopter-like sounds, it is essential to take action right away. The first thing you should do is bring the vehicle to a mechanic to have it checked.

Mechanics are trained to identify and diagnose car sounds. They will be able to tell you what is causing the noise and how to fix it. While sometimes the issue may be simple to fix, the problem may be more severe and require extensive repairs.

If you don’t have a mechanic you can trust, you can also bring your car to a dealership. Dealerships have trained technicians who can diagnose and repair your car.

Cutter CDJR Honolulu provides professional car servicing to car owners in Honolulu, HI. Besides that, we also have a vast inventory of newand pre-owned vehicles to meet your varying needs. Visit our dealership today for more information.