Rattling Noise

[catprotector]

Today as I was pulling into my parking spot I heard a rattling sound that sounded like it was coming from just underneath my dash board. Then when I parked my car it sounded like it was coming near the brake. When I popped the hood I thought it was coming from a part near the top part near where the serpentine belt was. I don't know much about engines so it's a mystery to what it is.

We've had some very hot weather here so could it be something that has to do with that. Apparently, my driving hasn't been affected so I'm hoping this is nothing serious. Not knowing anything about cars I'd be at the mercy of the mechanic who could tell me I need such and such replaced when I may not need to.

I drive a '95 Beretta and have a V6 engine. I was researching this problem and was told it might be the oil or something. I need my car to get to work and don't have a lot of money to spend on this issue. Any thoughts to what this could be?