What does that noise from my car mean?

Squealing on light braking is usually pad wear indicators doing their job — it's an early warning, not an emergency, but don't ignore it. Grinding on braking means the pad is gone and you're eating into the rotor. Clicking during a tight turn from a front-wheel-drive or AWD vehicle usually means a failing CV axle.

Whining that changes with engine RPM often points to a power steering pump, alternator bearing, or accessory belt tensioner. Whining that changes with vehicle speed but not RPM usually points to differential, transfer case, or wheel bearing. A rhythmic thump that speeds up with the vehicle is often a tire issue or wheel bearing.

Clunking over bumps is suspension — worn sway bar links, ball joints, control arm bushings, or strut mounts. Ticking from the engine can be as simple as an exhaust manifold leak or as serious as a lifter issue. Bring us a good description (when it happens, hot or cold, at what speed, with what load) and we'll pin it down fast.