Hearing a new noise in your car is rarely good news.

Unless you just upgraded your car’s stereo system, unfamiliar sounds are usually a sign that something is amiss. While there are many internet guides identifying common car sounds and what they mean, performing an internet search for “car is making a whining sound” will lead to about a hundred different possible explanations.

That’s why some car owners turn to social media for answers. For example, this Honda HR-V owner says that her car began making a strange noise when she turned it on. What could it be?

What’s Wrong With This Woman’s Car?

In her video, TikTok user Ava Marie (@ava.mar.ie) shows a problem with her Honda HR-V.

“Calling on the car community,” she starts. “Can you tell me what’s wrong with my car? This is what it sounds like when I turn it on.”

As she starts the car, a high-pitched whirring sound can be heard. 

“It’s giving chopped hellcat. It whines like that whenever it’s idling and when I accelerate. Car community… please help,” she clarifies in the caption. 

The car community chimed in with opinions about what’s wrong with the Honda HR-V.

“100% power steering pump,” one TikTok commenter shared. 

“Either a bad pulley/idler or a bad power steering pump,” another added. 

“Sounds like your radio isn’t loud enough,” a third joked.

Is It A Problem With The Power Steering?

There are numerous potential problems with the car that could, theoretically, result in this noise. However, the consensus amongst commenters was that this was an issue with the car’s power steering.

Power steering issues are relatively common. A power steering pump is under a consistently high amount of pressure. Over time, several crucial parts of the power steering system, such as its rubber hoses, O-rings, and shaft seals can wear down. This, in turn, can cause the system to leak or become less functional.

Plus, over time, the fluid loses its lubricating properties. Pair that with the possible introduction of air bubbles in the system due to leaks, and one can risk significantly damaging their power steering pump.

The car will remain driveable through all of this, though handling can become more difficult. Still, it’s important that the issue is resolved quickly in order to prevent things from getting worse.

The problem with this explanation for the TikToker’s video, however, is that Hondas made after 2012 generally do not use hydraulic power steering. Instead, they use electric power steering (EPS). This means that leaks are impossible. Ava Marie does not say what year her car was made.

To be clear, this doesn’t rule out the possibility that the issue is with the power steering. It just means that repairing the issue, if it is related to the power steering, will be more difficult than simply identifying a leak or changing the fluid.

Could It Be An Alternator Issue?

Given that her car’s (likely) EPS system means that power steering pump and fluid issues can be ruled out, there are a few other possible explanations that Ava Marie should consider.

The first is a possible issue with the alternator. Alternators contain internal bearings that, when failing, can produce a high-pitched, siren-like sound. This noise sounds electric and tends to increase in pitch as the engine revs — characteristics shown in the TikToker’s video.

This is happening because worn bearings create excess friction. An example of the sound will appear to be whining when revving the engine up.

While less common, a failing diode or other electrical component in the alternator may also generate a hum that sounds similar to a mechanical whine. 

To test this theory, Ava Marie can turn on the headlights, then the heater, rear defroster, and radio. If the noise becomes noticeably louder, or the headlights dim or flicker, it suggests the alternator is struggling under the added electrical load and is likely the source of the problem.

Is It The Serpentine Belt?

The third possible issue is with the idler or tensioner pulleys. A car’s serpentine belt relies on these components to stay properly guided and at the correct level of tension. When the bearings on these components start failing, usually owing to drying grease, they can produce a whirring sound. 

A simple way to test this theory might involve spraying a small amount of water on the serpentine belt while the engine is running. If the noise changes or disappears, it’s likely the issue is related to the belt or pulley.

It should be noted that the noise not changing or disappearing is not necessarily a sign that it isn’t an issue with the belts; instead, it just means that diagnosing the exact problem may take a little more work.

Naturally, there are other issues that may cause the sound experienced by the TikToker. That said, these are the most likely culprits. In order to ensure her car continues to run without issue, she should promptly take it to a trusted mechanic. Otherwise, she risks damaging her vehicle — and leading to more expensive repairs down the line.

MotorBiscuit reached out to Ava Marie via TikTok direct message and commented on the post. We’ve contacted Honda via email.

@ava.mar.ie It’s giving chopped hellcat ?? also it whines like that whenever it’s idling and when I accelerate. Car community…please help #car #cars #help #lol #fyp ♬ original sound – ava.mar.ie