The engine on our van had been making a weird whining/grinding sound after we took a 1,400 mile road trip. Didn't think to much about it, but then it got worse after a couple weeks. Then our battery light started flashing at us, took it to our mechanic and he gave us the wonderful news. The noise was from the bearing in our alternator. Mostly just annoying that we keep putting money into the van, but in hindsight should've bought a van with less miles. Lessons learned, keep moving.