Noticing that your brakes are squeaking can cause you anxiety. It is important to find out why your brakes are making noise so you can take a proactive approach and maintain the safety of your vehicle.
Squeaking brakes can have multiple causes. These issues can be mundane such as having dust or sediment on them. Or severe and indicate that the brakes are worn and need to be replaced.
If the brakes on your car are squeaking it is best to figure out why. In this post, we will briefly discuss some of the reasons your brakes may make noises. We will also explain how you can remedy the situation.
Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?
Brakes squeak because sometimes they will have debris on them. Other times they may need to be adjusted or replaced. Even though sounds coming from your brakes are not always serious, it is something that should be checked out as soon as possible.
Here are some reasons your brakes may be making squeaking noises:
- The brakes may not have been installed properly
- The brake pads and or rotors might need to be replaced
- There might be moisture or other substances on the brake drums.
- The materials your brakes are made from might cause your brakes to make noise.
- The brake fluid may be old and need to be changed.
The causes of brake squeaking need to be investigated. Before panic sets in, begin a brake check from the easiest to the most difficult. Don’t worry, it is not going to be a difficult task.
What Should I Check First if My Brakes are Squeaking?
It is important to go through a quick checklist of possible causes of sudden brake noises.
Some questions you should ask yourself are:
- When did the brakes start to make noise?
- What weather and road conditions has the vehicle gone through recently?
- When was the last time the brake fluid was changed?
- When were the brakes replaced?
Being able to answer these questions will help you find out why your brakes are squeaking.
Why Are My New Brakes Squeaking?
It’s common for old brakes to squeak as this is an indicator they need to be changed. But what about new brakes?
If the brakes were just replaced and they start to squeak it could be that they were not installed correctly or need adjustments. It could also mean that the brakes need lubrication. New brakes may also make noise if they are wet.
If you had the brakes replaced at a shop, take your car back to them immediately and have them fix the problem. If you changed the brakes yourself, then you need to re-examine the job you did, and make any changes or necessary adjustments.
How Does Weather Affect My Brakes?
Maybe your brakes are fine. Could it be the weather making them squeak?
Wet or cold weather can make brakes squeak. This is due to moisture accumulating on the brake pads and rotors. Cold weather can make this moisture freeze which may also cause the brakes to squeak or grind until they have warmed up.
Moisture on brakes can happen while the car is parked overnight in an area with a high dew point. It can also happen when driving in rain or snow. If the brakes are squeaking because of moisture, the sound should stop once they are dry.
It is important to note that moisture on brakes can eventually cause rust to form on your brakes. Rusty brakes can ruin the brake drum faster. If you wake up in the mornings and your car is covered in dew, you may want to put your car in the garage to protect it.
What Road Conditions Make Brakes Squeak?
Road ways are often filled with debris that can get on the brake pads and rotors causing the brakes to make noise when the brake is applied. This is especially true when the vehicle is taken off of the pavement, though conditions on paved roads may affect the brakes as well.
Did your brakes start making noise right after driving down a dirt road? If so, your brakes probably picked up some:
- Dust
- Mud
- Sand
- Gravel
Most of this will come off of your brakes by itself. However, the materials that your brakes are made from can also create dust. These fine metal and carbon fragments cause a layer of dark colored dust that can be seen on the wheels and rims.
It is important to clean this brake dust off using a brake cleaner. If you leave excess dust it can cause excessive wear and damage to your brakes which can affect the way your brakes perform. The dust can also damage alloy rims, so periodically cleaning this dust off is a great benefit to your car.
Squeaking Brakes? When Were They Last Replaced?
Brakes typically last from 25,000 miles to 60,000 miles. Brakes should be serviced every six months. A good time to have this done is when the tires are rotated. If the vehicle is making squeaking or grinding sounds when braking it’s time to have the brakes serviced.
You should also check the brake fluid. If the brake fluid is old, it can become thick and clumpy. This can cause the brakes to perform poorly due to limited lubrication. This could possibly cause the calipers to stick and cause squeaking. It can also cause the calipers to stay open, causing an inability to have the brake(s) slow the wheels uniformly, if at all.
Squeaking Brakes Demand Attention
Even though brakes may squeak occasionally without serious complications, it is important to check the condition of your brakes and maintain them. Be sure to check fluid levels as well as maintenance checks throughout the life of your brakes. Have your brake rotors and pads replaced when they are worn.
