Suwanee, Decatur & Marietta Auto Repair

A rattle under the car can be harmless or a sign that something important has come loose. Because the sound often echoes off the pavement, it is tricky to pinpoint from the driver’s seat. The good news is that most underbody rattles come from a short list of familiar parts, and a few clues about when the noise appears can narrow things fast.   Listen for When the Rattle Happens Timing tells a story. A rattle that shows up right after a cold start, then fades as the car warms, often points to thin metal shields that expand and quiet down. A noise that appears only on rough roads hints at a loose bracket, plastic splash shield, or suspension link. If the sound tracks engine rpm more than the road speed, look at exhaust and heat shields. If it tracks vehicle speed, think wheels, brake hardware, or the driveline.   Heat Shields Modern exhaust systems use several heat shields to protect the cabin and nearby components. These th ... read more