What’s that noise?
Record the noise your car is making and Mechd tells you what it could be: the likely cause, how urgent it is, and a rough UK repair cost.
Only use Mechd when your car is parked. Never while driving.
Most likely cause
Worn front brake pads
2016 Ford Focus, squeals when braking, from the front wheels
Get it checked soon
Pads usually squeal like this when they’re nearly worn down. Left too long, they can damage the discs.
- What to do
- Book a garage soon
- Rough cost
- £110 – £180Estimate of what a UK garage might charge
How it works
Record the noise
With the car parked, hold your phone close to the noise and record up to 10 seconds. If it only happens on the move, ask a passenger to record it.
Answer two questions
When does it happen, and where does it seem to come from? Add your car’s make, model and year for a more realistic price.
See what it could be
The likely cause and other possibilities, how urgent it is, a rough estimate of what a UK garage might charge, and a summary you can share with your garage.
How urgent is it?
Every result comes with one of three answers, so you know what to do next.
Book in when convenient
It's worth having a garage look at it, but it doesn't sound urgent. Book it in when it suits you, and sooner if the noise gets worse or changes.
Get it checked soon
Something sounds wrong. Book a garage soon rather than leaving it, because some faults get worse, and dearer, the longer they go.
Don't drive
This could be dangerous. Leave the car parked and call a garage or your breakdown service.
None of these is a safety check. If your car feels or sounds wrong, don’t drive it until a mechanic has looked at it, whatever Mechd says.
What Mechd can and can’t do
Mechd can
- Point you towards the likely cause of a noise, and what else it could be
- Give you a rough idea of what a UK garage would charge
- Help you explain the noise to your garage
- Check your recording on your phone. The sound is only sent to us if you choose to share it
Mechd can’t
- Inspect your car. Its results are suggestions, and they can be wrong
- See leaks, smells or warning lights, or feel how the car drives
- Replace an MOT, a service or a mechanic’s check
- Give you a quote. Prices are rough estimates of what a UK garage might charge
Run a garage?
We use real car noises with a known cause to test and improve Mechd, and independent garages hear more of those than anyone. Record a few for us and get a free partner listing.
Find out about partner garages