What's that rattling noise in my car?

Have you ever hit the road and discovered part of the way into your drive time that your perfect playlist or podcast is being interrupted by rattling noises? Whether they're coming from inside your ride or outside, they're pretty unnerving. The worst usually comes to mind (and with it a big price tag), but you can rest easy - Toyota of Clermont is here to help you identify the most common reasons you're hearing rattling noises during your drive time and what to do about it.

Learn how to identify rattling noises in your vehicle with Toyota of Clermont

Interior Rattling
Luckily, if you're hearing rattling noises from the inside of your car, chances are you won't need auto repairs at our Clermont Toyota Service Center. Usually, the noises stem from things moving around inside your vehicle. Take these steps to locate the issue:

• Check inside the glovebox, center console, and door pockets to see if any loose items are moving around
• Check all cupholders to see if a drink is making the noise 
• Check the backseat - something could be moving back and forth on the floor and making rattling sounds 

If that doesn't do it, check the windows, seats, and any car seats or booster seats installed in your vehicle. If a car seat or booster seat isn't installed properly, it may make a rattling sound. If your window has worn channels, it could be rattling around, just as a door on rollers (like in a minivan) can make the offending noise.

Exterior rattling 
If you hear rattling noises coming from the outside of your car's cabin, you could be due for auto repairs at our Clermont auto service center. Here are some of the reasons you might be hearing this sound:

• An issue with the undercarriage
• A loose muffler 
• A loose or damaged catalytic converter 
• A section of tailpipe that is corroded and subsequently, moving around 
• A water pump that is on its way out (you'd hear this more from under the hood than under the vehicle) 
• A problem with your trunk or hatchback latch 

Schedule auto repairs and drive home rattle-free

Your best bet is to bring your car to Toyota of Clermont. Our techs are more than happy to inspect your vehicle to pinpoint the origin of the issue, and they can then detail and provide you with the proper auto repairs to get your car up, running, and back on the road, rattle-free.

Want to schedule auto repairs or an inspection? Call Toyota of Clermont today! We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001 and you can come by 16851 State Road 50 to chat with one of our techs - we're just west of the Florida Turnpike.