Tools / Everyday
Listen to my engine
A strange noise from the car: ticking, squeal, grinding, whine, shudder. Record it with your phone (at start-up, with the throttle, braking, turning) and say when it happens, and get: a description of the sound, the likely causes ranked with why, whether to keep driving, see a mechanic this week, or stop now, what you can safely check yourself, and one line to tell the mechanic so nobody runs circles around you.
How to use it
- Hold the phone near the source (front, under, a wheel) safely with the car stationary or someone else driving, and record 10–20 seconds.
- Type when the noise happens (cold start, throttle, braking, turning, bumps) and the vehicle.
- Press «Listen» — the likely causes, urgency and self-checks appear.
Questions
Accurate?
A phone recording is limited and a sound can have many causes; the result is ranked possibilities with the reasoning, not a diagnosis. If it says «stop now», take it seriously; if it says «monitor», do monitor.
What should I record?
The sound clear and close, without talking or radio, in the condition it appears (e.g. a light rev while stationary). If it happens while moving, have someone drive while you record.
Is the recording uploaded?
It's converted on your device to a small audio file and sent to the model to listen and reply; nothing is stored with us. 10 recordings per device per day.
For a motorcycle or a generator?
Yes, the same way: type the machine in the field.
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