Why Does My Car Make Noises in the Cold Weather?

“Any noise that doesn't dissipate with increased temperatures requires further investigation,” says ASE Master Technician Joe Simes. He adds that if the noise doesn't stop after the car warms up, worsens, or affects drivability, it indicates a problem — and stresses the importance of addressing new or unfamiliar noises immediately to prevent potential issues.

Car fluids protect and lubricate thousands of moving parts. Cold temperatures thicken worn or contaminated fluids and oils, making them less effective — this causes engine bearings to knock, pistons to rattle, the power steering to whine, or the water pump to grind. Test your fluids before the cold sets in and replace or flush them as needed.

In cold weather, worn serpentine, drive, and timing belts become rigid and less flexible, causing squealing and chirping noises when the engine starts or the steering wheel is turned. Inspect belts for wear, glazing, missing ribs, or damage, and check the tensioner system for squeaking, binding, or rattling. Also check the suspension if you hear knocking over bumps, since cold rubber puts excess pressure on metal parts like sway arm links and bushings.

Cold weather contracts metal and plastic parts, which can misalign body and chassis parts, leading to creaking, rattling, or squeaking noises as parts rub together while driving or getting in and out of the car. Jounce your car to help pinpoint noises coming from body or chassis parts.

Wheel bearings and other spinning components contract in the cold, and the excess pressure placed on them causes whining, whirring, grinding, and other unpleasant noises. These noises diminish as the car warms up, but bad bearing noises don't go away — watch for additional symptoms like braking issues, tire vibrations from failing bearings, coolant leaks from the water pump, or a dead battery from a worn-out alternator.

Water from snow, slush, or the air can freeze, causing drivability issues — a frozen parking brake cable or brakes frozen to the rotor will prevent the wheels from turning, causing scraping noises and poor acceleration. Avoid using the parking brake after driving through snow, and consider performing controlled “panic” stops to heat up the brakes and evaporate moisture before parking outside for the night.