Unless you’re at a drag strip and intend to perform a great smoky burnout, chances are that the sound of your tires squealing isn’t music to your ears. Frankly, it’s not music to anyone’s ears.

Whuh-whuh-whuh-whuh-what is that noise? It's happening any time you drive, it's rhythmic and whirring — or maybe a consistent hum, or even an ear-splitting screech when you turn the wheel — and it's ...