Why Is My Car Making a Thumping Noise?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 3 years ago
5 min read
- Diagnostic
WhoCanFixMyCar explains why your could be making a thumping noise and what you can do to resolve the problem
Thumping noises can be a big concern for motorists, with many of us assuming a hefty repair bill is on the horizon. Fortunately, this isn’t always the case.
Using this guide, you can determine what’s likely to be causing the thumping noise in your car and what you can do about it.
Contents:
My car makes a thumping noise while driving
Worn tyres
A thumping noise while you are driving could be the result of unevenly worn tyres, which are often caused by misaligned wheels. Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure and tread level is essential for fuel economy and safety.
Fortunately, wheel alignments don't take long or cost much - usually around £44.25.
Place a twenty-pence piece into the main tread grooves to test your tyre treads. If the outer band of the coin isn't visible, your tread is within the legal limit. However, if you can see the outer band, your tyres are too worn, and you should replace them immediately.
Suspension system problem
If the thumping comes from the front of the car, this may indicate a suspension issue since parts can become worn and work themselves loose over time. The best way to check whether this is the case is to have your car inspected by a professional.
The average cost to fix suspension issues is £127.40.
My car makes a thumping noise while accelerating
Starter motor or transmission mount
If you hear a thump towards the front of your car whenever you accelerate, it’s probably a problem with either your starter motor mount or transmission mount.
Though small, transmission mounts have a significant impact on performance and the overall quality of your drive. Many things can affect the condition of transition mounts, including oxidation, vibrations and damage from collisions.
If you think your starter motor or transmission mount may be damaged, take your car to a mechanic who will be able to advise you about the repairs that are required. On average, these repairs cost around £308.88.
My car makes a thumping sound when slowing down
Warped brake rotors
A thumping sound from your car’s front wheels when you brake is probably due to warped brake rotors. These are metal discs that are visible behind the car wheel. They work with callipers and brake pads to slow the vehicle's movement.
Braking generates a lot of friction, and this causes the rotor surface to become uneven over time. Warped brake rotors are considerably less effective at allowing you to brake quickly.
There are a few other signs to look out for that indicate your brake rotors need to be replaced:
Increased stopping distances.
Grooves or score marks.
Pulsating steering wheel.
Screeching or squeaking noises when brakes are used.
If you are experiencing similar symptoms in your car, it would be advisable to take it to your nearest garage to check the brakes. Doing so is essential not only for your car’s long-term health but also for your safety. Brake repairs cost around £440.93 depending on the level of repairs needed.
If you have any other issues with your car that you'd like to try to diagnose yourself, check out our guide on self-diagnosing car problems. The more you know about how your car works, the better.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is WhoCanFixMyCar’s Content Writer. She has a BA in English literature from Durham University, a master’s degree in creative writing, and three years of experience writing in the automotive industry. She currently drives a Suzuki Swift.