Why Do My Brakes Squeak?
Your brakes may be squeaking due to various factors such as weather conditions, heavy loads, moisture, embedded objects, worn-down brake pads, or it could simply be due to the characteristics of a new car’s braking system.
If your car’s brakes have begun to squeak, it’s your vehicle’s way of getting your attention. Brakes are a critical part of your car’s safety system, and a squeak may indicate a variety of potential issues. Let’s delve into some of the common causes.
Weather Conditions
Cold Weather
In cold weather, the metal components of your braking system can contract. This contraction can sometimes cause the brake components to fit together differently than they do under normal conditions. As a result, when you apply the brakes, you may hear a high-pitched squeak or squeal. This is especially prevalent during the first few stops you make on a cold day as the brakes need time to heat up and expand to their regular operating conditions.
Additionally, cold weather can lead to increased humidity and condensation, which might cause a thin layer of rust to form on the brake rotors. As you apply the brakes and the brake pads scrape off this rust, a squeaking noise may be produced.
Hot Weather
Hot weather, on the other hand, poses a different issue. Excessive heat can cause your brake pads to harden, much like how high-speed friction can lead to glazing. When these hardened brake pads press against the rotors, the resulting friction can produce a squeaky noise.
Heat can also exacerbate any existing issues with your brakes. For instance, if your brake pads are already worn thin, hot weather can speed up the wear process, making the squeaking noise more noticeable.
Rainy Weather
Rainy weather or driving through water puddles can introduce moisture into your brake system. While most of this moisture evaporates due to the heat generated by your braking system, some might remain on the surface of your brake rotors, especially if your car has been parked for an extended period in wet conditions. This moisture can cause a thin layer of rust to form, which leads to a squeaking noise when the brake pads scrape off the rust.
In all weather conditions, regular brake checks are vital to maintain your car’s safety. At Tyres & Exhausts Galore, we have extensive experience dealing with all brake-related issues. Our state-of-the-art equipment and skilled technicians ensure your brakes perform optimally, irrespective of the weather outside.
Heavy Loads
When your vehicle is carrying heavy loads, the dynamics of how it operates change significantly. The extra weight increases the demands on various parts of your car, including the braking system.
Increased Brake Pressure
The main way heavy loads contribute to squeaky brakes is by increasing the pressure and heat on your brake pads. The heavier the vehicle, the more braking power is needed to slow it down or bring it to a stop. This increased demand translates to more friction and heat on your brake pads, which can wear them down faster than usual. As the pads thin out, the chance of metal-on-metal contact rises, often leading to that squeaking noise you hear when applying the brakes.
Rapid Pad Wear
Another issue that comes with heavy loads is rapid brake pad wear. Brake pads are designed to withstand friction and provide a buffer between the brake callipers and the rotors. However, when consistently subjected to heavy loads, the pads can wear down at a much faster rate. When the pads become excessively worn, the metal backing of the pad can come into contact with the metal rotor, leading to a distinct squeaking or screeching sound.
Brake Overheating
Carrying heavy loads can also lead to overheating of your brakes, particularly if you’re frequently stopping or driving in hilly areas. Overheating can cause the brake pads to harden and glaze, a condition we discussed earlier. These hardened, glazed pads can create a squeaking noise when they make contact with the rotors.
Regular brake inspections are especially crucial if you regularly carry heavy loads in your vehicle. At Tyres & Exhausts Galore, we offer comprehensive brake inspections and services to ensure your vehicle’s brakes are in top shape, no matter the load. Using our advanced Hunter HawkEye Elite TD equipment, we provide accurate wheel alignment and other services that can help prevent brake problems and extend the life of your braking system.
Moisture
Moisture can make its way into your braking system in a number of ways, like driving in rainy conditions, passing through a big puddle, or even washing your car. Here’s how it can contribute to brake squeak.
Rust Formation
One of the primary ways moisture leads to squeaky brakes is through the formation of rust. When your vehicle is exposed to water, a thin layer of rust can form on the brake rotors’ surface. The rust itself doesn’t lead to squeaking; however, when you apply the brakes and the brake pads scrape against this rust-coated surface, a squeaking noise may result. This is typically more pronounced when you first start driving your vehicle after it has been parked in damp conditions.
Brake Pad Swelling
Moisture can also affect your brake pads, particularly if they are made of organic material. When exposed to water, these pads can swell and change shape, causing them not to fit perfectly within the braking system. When the brakes are applied, the distorted pads can scrape against other components, creating a squeaking or squealing sound.
Brake Component Corrosion
Over time, repeated exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion of the brake components, including the brake pads and rotors. Corrosion can damage the smooth surface of these parts, leading to uneven contact when the brakes are applied. This uneven contact can result in a variety of noises, including squeaking.
To prevent moisture-related brake squeaking, it’s important to maintain your braking system properly. If you live in an area with a rainy climate or frequently wash your car, consider regular brake checks to ensure all components are in good shape.
At Tyres & Exhausts Galore, we have the expertise and tools necessary to assess and resolve any brake issues you may be experiencing due to moisture.
Embedded Objects
Although it may sound unusual, it’s possible for small objects like pebbles, grit, or other road debris to become lodged in your car’s braking system. This situation can lead to a variety of issues, one of which is a persistent squeaking noise.
Foreign Objects and Brake Pads
If a small object becomes trapped between the brake pad and rotor, it could cause a squeaking or grinding noise when you apply the brakes. As the brake pad presses against the rotor, the foreign object could be pressed into the pad or scored across the rotor, creating the noise. Over time, the embedded object could even cause damage to your brake pads or rotors if not addressed promptly.
Dust and Debris
Brake dust or road debris could accumulate over time and become compacted between the brake pad and rotor. This compacted material could create a squeaking sound when you brake, similar to having a small stone or pebble caught in the system.
Importance of Regular Inspection
Regular brake inspections are crucial for catching these issues early. If you hear a squeaking noise that doesn’t go away, or if the squeaking is accompanied by a grinding noise, it’s important to have your brakes inspected as soon as possible. These sounds may indicate that a foreign object is lodged in the brakes and causing damage.
At Tyres & Exhausts Galore, we specialize in comprehensive brake system inspections.
Worn-down Brake Pads
Brake pads are a crucial component of your car’s braking system. They provide the necessary friction to slow down or stop your car. However, due to their function, brake pads wear down over time. When they become excessively worn, they can lead to a variety of issues, including squeaky brakes.
Metal-on-Metal Contact
The most common cause of squeaking in worn-down brake pads is metal-on-metal contact. Brake pads have a layer of friction material; when this material wears thin, the metal backing of the pad can come into contact with the metal rotor. This metal-on-metal contact can create a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound when you apply the brakes.
Wear Indicator
Modern brake pads often have a built-in wear indicator, a small metal piece that starts to contact the rotor once the brake pad material wears down to a certain level. This contact creates a squeaking or squealing noise when you apply the brakes. This noise is a clear signal that your brake pads are near the end of their lifespan and need replacing soon.
Uneven Wear
Worn-down brake pads can also wear unevenly, especially if the car’s wheels are not properly aligned. Unevenly worn brake pads can create an uneven surface that squeaks when it comes into contact with the rotor. At Tyres & Exhausts Galore, our state-of-the-art Hunter HawkEye Elite TD equipment can ensure your wheels are perfectly aligned, helping to prevent uneven brake pad wear.
Regular brake inspections are crucial to catch worn-down brake pads before they become a problem. If your brakes are squeaking, it’s a good idea to have your brake pads checked as soon as possible. At Tyres & Exhausts Galore, we have extensive experience in brake inspections and maintenance. We can help you ensure your brake pads are in good shape, replace them if needed, and keep your car running safely and smoothly.
New Car
Yes, even new cars can have squeaky brakes. As brake pads break in, they might squeak for a bit. It’s usually not a sign of any problem and should go away after the car has been driven for a while.
How to Stop Squeaky Brakes
If your car’s brakes are squeaking, don’t ignore it. The squeak might indicate an issue that needs immediate attention. One way to stop the squeak is to replace your brake pads. As specialists in brakes, we at Tyres & Exhausts Galore recommend regularly checking your brake pads for wear and tear.
Also, make sure that your car is not carrying unnecessary weight. Regular maintenance of your car’s brakes, especially in adverse weather conditions, can also help prevent squeaky brakes.
Can Speed Cause Squeaky Brakes?
Yes, speed can cause your brakes to squeak. When you apply the brakes at high speed, it creates more heat and friction, which can cause the brake pads to harden and squeak. Regularly speeding and then braking hard can significantly increase the chances of your brakes squeaking.
Squeaky Brakes: What is Glazing
Brake glazing is a common cause of squeaky brakes. Glazing occurs when the brake pads get overheated, causing the pad surface to become hardened and glassy. This glazed or crystallized layer can cause the brakes to squeak when applied. To avoid glazing, it’s crucial not to ride the brakes and to allow them to cool down on long descents.
FAQ’s
1. How do I get my brakes to stop squeaking?
To stop your brakes from squeaking, it’s best to first identify the cause of the noise. This may involve cleaning or adjusting the brakes, replacing worn-out brake pads, removing embedded objects, or rectifying issues related to moisture or weather conditions. Regular maintenance and inspections at a professional service centre like Tyres & Exhausts Galore can help eliminate the problem effectively.
2. Is it OK to drive with squeaky brakes?
While some squeaking noises may be harmless, such as those caused by new brake pads or certain weather conditions, consistent or loud squeaking may indicate serious issues like worn-down brake pads or a foreign object stuck in the brake system. It’s always safer to have squeaky brakes inspected by a professional to ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive.
3. Are squeaky brakes a worry?
Squeaky brakes could be a sign of minor issues or more serious problems. Occasional squeaking might just be due to environmental factors like wet weather, but if the squeaking is consistent or accompanied by other symptoms like reduced braking performance, it can be a sign of worn brake pads or other serious issues and should be addressed immediately.
4. When I press my brakes I hear a squeaking noise?
A squeaking noise when you press your brakes can be caused by various factors including worn-down brake pads, foreign objects embedded in the brakes, moisture in the braking system, or simply new brake pads that are yet to be broken in. It’s advisable to have a professional inspect your brakes to identify the cause.
5. Why are my brakes squeaking but the brakes are fine?
Even if your brakes appear to be fine, they can still squeak due to reasons like the presence of dust or dirt, slight rusting due to weather, new brake pads needing to bed in, or high-performance brake pads that are designed to be a bit noisier. However, any persistent or loud squeaking should be checked out to rule out potential problems.
6. Why do my brakes squeak when I stop slowly?
Brakes often squeak during slow stops because the lighter pedal pressure doesn’t generate as much heat in the brake pads, which can lead to vibrations that manifest as a squeaking noise. It could also be due to “glazing” on the brake pads or rotors, which happens when they get overheated and then cooled rapidly. If the noise persists, it would be best to have them inspected at a professional service centre like Tyres & Exhausts Galore.
