Squeaky brakes occur for a variety of reasons. Often it’s harmless, the result of something like temporary moisture in the brake pads. But continuous squeals or brakes grinding should be taken very seriously as they may mean it’s time for new brake pads or shoes. Worn brakes can mean longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. And rotors and drums that wear too thin can even become over-stressed to the point of cracking or breaking.
If you have noisy brakes, the most common causes are:
- Worn brake pads
- Foreign objects inside the brake calipers; or, dust and debris between pads and brake rotors (you may notice this after driving on unsealed roads)
- Lack of brake lubrication causing friction between components
If you hear squealing or grinding, have your brakes checked right away. This especially applies if the noise is ongoing, or changes; for instance if a squeak becomes a grinding noise, or if you start to notice you’re losing braking power.
Even if you don’t hear squealing or grinding, have your brakes inspected once a year along with your standard service. Simple brake adjustments and repairs can make a real difference in your car’s safety, so get in touch with your nearest Auto Masters today.
