Ask an Auto Expert: Answers to 5 Frequently Asked Questions

by | Apr 28, 2025 | Auto Questions, Auto Tips

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As auto experts, here are some of the most frequent questions we get asked and our answers to them.

1. What is the rattling sound that I hear first thing in the morning when I accelerate?

This is often related to the protective heat shields on exhaust systems. After five to ten years, the rust becomes loose and, as the exhaust heats up, the shields expand and the noise fades.

2. What is that high-pitched noise I hear that goes away when I brake?

This can be the metal brake pad wear indicator touching the brake rotor. Have your brakes inspected immediately.

3. When I drive at cruising speed, I hear a humming noise that varies in tone when steering?

This sounds like a wheel-bearing noise and should be diagnosed by a certified auto technician. It can be difficult to pinpoint, but by using multi-channel sensors coupled to a computer, we can accurately locate the faulty bearing.

4. Occasionally when I start my car, there seems to be a little delay before the engine starts, and it seems to happen more frequently?

Start by having your battery tested by an auto expert or with a battery checker at home. It may be a sign that your battery is defective or that something is draining the battery.

5. I have started to see more condensation on the inside of the windshield, and I smell a musty odor?

This can be a number of things. Here are some common reasons that this occurs: a blocked air conditioning drain tube, blocked sunroof drains, door seals leaking, or the heater core leaking. It’s important to have these conditions diagnosed quickly. Ignoring them could damage the electronics in your car. Water and electronics don’t go well together.

We have multiple diagnostic forms that can be used based on your specific problem, so our auto experts can help diagnose and resolve any car trouble you may be facing.

About the Author

Brian England, the current president of BA Auto Care (formerly British American Auto Care), got his start with an auto apprenticeship in a small town in northwest of London. He came to the U.S. in 1972 to work for a Land Rover dealer in Rockville, MD. A few years later, he started British American Auto Care with his wife, Jennifer. Brian is a big believe in preventative maintenance, and his philosophy is to encourage and educate drivers on the benefits of a regular maintenance plan.