Your car’s brakes are a crucial safety system, and any unusual noises coming from them can be cause for concern. One common complaint is squeaky brakes. While squeaking brakes aren’t always a serious issue, they can be annoying and a sign of potential problems down the road.
In this article, we’ll explore the eight most common reasons why your brakes might be squeaking and what you can do to fix the problem.
Worn Brake Pads:
The most common reason for squeaky brakes is worn brake pads. Brake pads are designed to wear down over time, creating friction with the rotors to slow down your car. As they wear down, a wear indicator built into the pad may make contact with the rotor, producing a squeaking sound. This is a warning sign that it’s time to replace your brake pads.
Dust or Debris on the Rotors:
Brake pads generate dust and debris as they wear down. This dust can build up on the rotors, causing them to squeak when you apply the brakes. In most cases, this can be resolved by simply cleaning the rotors with a brake cleaner.
Moisture on the Rotors:
If you leave your car parked for an extended period, especially in humid conditions, moisture can build up on the rotors. This moisture can cause the brakes to squeak when you first apply them. The squeaking should usually go away after a few moments of driving as the brakes heat up and dry out the rotors.
Your Braking Style:
Believe it or not, your braking style can also contribute to squeaky brakes. Frequent hard braking can glaze the surface of the rotors, making them more prone to squeaking. Try to anticipate stops and brake smoothly whenever possible.
Type of Brake Pads:
Different types of brake pads use different materials. Some materials, such as ceramic brake pads, can be more prone to squeaking than others. If you’re concerned about noise, you can discuss different brake pad options with a mechanic.
Lack of Lubrication (Drum Brakes):
If your car has drum brakes, a lack of lubrication on the moving parts within the drum can cause squeaking. In this case, a mechanic can disassemble the drum brakes and apply a lubricant to the specified points.
Poor Brake Pad Installation:
In some cases, squeaky brakes can be caused by improper brake pad installation. If you’ve recently had your brakes replaced, and you’re now experiencing squeaking, it’s worth getting them checked by a qualified mechanic to ensure they were installed correctly.
Read Detailed Blog: How to change brake pads
Rusted Rotors:
Over time, the rotors on your brakes can develop rust, especially if your car is exposed to a lot of moisture. Rust on the rotors can cause them to squeak when you apply the brakes. In severe cases, the rotors may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
When to Worry About Squeaky Brakes
In most cases, squeaky brakes are not a serious issue. However, there are a few situations where you should take your car to a mechanic right away:
- If the squeaking is accompanied by a grinding noise. This could indicate that your brake pads are severely worn and need to be replaced immediately.
- If the squeaking is persistent and doesn’t go away after a few moments of driving.
- If you experience a loss of braking power. This is a serious safety hazard and requires immediate attention from a mechanic.
By understanding the common causes of squeaky brakes, you can take steps to fix the problem and ensure your car’s braking system is functioning properly.
Additional Tips To Fix Squeaky Brakes
- It’s important to have your brakes inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic. They can identify potential problems early on and prevent them from becoming more serious.
- If you’re comfortable doing so, you can also try cleaning your brakes yourself with a brake cleaner. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- If you’re not sure what’s causing the squeaking or you’re uncomfortable working on your brakes yourself, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take your car to a mechanic.
By following these tips, you can keep your brakes functioning properly and ensure your safety on the road.
Conclusion:
When your brakes create a squeaking or grinding noise, that is usually an indicator that you need to replace your brake pads. Besides, the drum brakes can produce a squeaking and grinding sound when the pads are worn. According to our trained technicians, semi-metallic brake pads are the ones to opt for when performance is needed the most.
If the sound of your brakes starts resembling a squeak and turns into a grinding noise, you should replace your brake pads. It is essential to schedule brake diagnostics immediately to avoid escalation of the damage on the brake rotor and disc. Trust the pros at putting a stop to any brake repair needs.
FAQs:
What causes brakes to squeak?
Answer: Brakes can squeak due to worn brake pads, dirty or glazed brake pads, misaligned brake pads, lack of lubrication, or brake dust accumulation on the rotor and pads.
Can lack of brake fluid cause squeaking?
Answer: Lack of brake fluid typically does not directly cause squeaking but can indicate underlying issues like a leak or worn components that may lead to noise if not addressed.
Why are my brakes squeaking but pads are good?
Answer: squeaking brakes with good pads may be because of dirt, misalignment, lack of lubrication, or brake dust accumulation on other components like the calipers or rotor.
