Most drivers get to know the eccentricities of their cars, and, particularly on older models, these could include the odd rattle or squeak. Ignoring any noises your car is making could, however, prove to be a costly mistake. That rattling sound you keep hearing could point to something more serious. If you want to avoid a large repair bill later on down the line, then 3Birds Template thinks it might be appropriate to take corrective action now.

You may be able to conduct a simple visual check around the car yourself. According to where the noise is coming from, it could be something inside the car. Check the glove compartment and any pockets in doors to check for something rolling around. Check underneath car mats, too. Failing that, you should look around the exterior of the car to ensure something isn't caught on a wheel or the underside of the car.

Online advice sites and forums can also be a useful source of information. Sites intended for car drivers very often have a wealth of experience and insight from other customers who have experienced a similar problem. Many sites cater for specific brands or even models of car, so it always pays to go to the sites intended specifically for your vehicle. If you have some basic mechanical experience or skill, you may be able to fix small problems yourself.

Failing that, it’s important to try and pinpoint the source and nature of the rattle before you get help from your mechanic. Does it get louder or faster when you accelerate? Does it only occur when you turn or when you brake? Try and observe each of these common driving actions to establish the source of the noise. This is likely to make it far easier for your mechanic to find and resolve it. Don’t be afraid to suggest you both take the car for a test drive so that you can point out the sound as it occurs.

Don’t put off getting assistance from your mechanic, either. Many drivers ignore sounds and rattles because they don’t want to have to pay a large repair bill. The irony is that more often than not, this costs them more money, as the rattle develops into something more serious. Book your car in for a check-up as soon as you can, and try not to drive the car any more than you have to until you can get it inspected. If the rattle develops very quickly and gets very loud, you may even need to consider pulling over and calling your roadside assistance plan. Any risk of further damage to the vehicle should be avoided. If in doubt, refer to us as soon as possible.