The fact that your car brakes are squeaking does not mean that you necessarily need to panic.
There are many causes of the squeaking sound from your car’s brakes.
But not all of these reasons will need an immediate action or correction.
Having said that, it doesn’t mean that the issue should be ignored as it could save lives on the road.
Reasons why your car brakes are squeaking.
a] Worn-out brake-pads.
Taking into consideration the last time that you installed the current break-pads that you are using. Worn out break-pads are a valid reason for the squeaking car brakes.
According to the way brakes are made, they have a material that eases friction when you hit the braking pedal. This is called the brake-pad. Now, if this wears off, it exposes a metal pad that starts squeaking as a warning sign to car owners. Just replace the braking pads immediately if you notice that the car brakes are squeaking.
b] Rusted braking rotor.
The braking rotors are commonly known as brake discs. The brake rotor is what your brake pad clamps on when you hit the brake pedal.
Rust and dust are a main cause of inefficient braking rotor. But this is an easy problem to resolve because a local car mechanic can file the brake rotor. As a result of the filing, the dust and rust comes off and your vehicle operates very well.
c] Pressing hard on the brake.
This is sometimes inevitable for drivers. Because, lets face it, the road is one major unpredictable place. So, when you slam so hard on the brakes, it may cause the brakes to squeal.
When car brakes are squeaking because of pressing hard on the brake, it is dependent on the vehicle’s speed. Further, this effect is felt by the caliper, brake pad and the disc which will vibrate at different frequencies.
The volume of the squeaking brakes will vary from time to time. This volume is determined by the speed at which your vehicle was travelling at. Further, how hard you press the brakes will affect the volume at which your car brakes are squeaking.
d] Moisture.
When moisture is involved, the noise is a bit different. In the morning when you start your journey, you might notice a grinding sound from the brakes. This is not usually a serious issue. Mainly because the vehicle’s breaks accumulate moisture overnight when you park the vehicle.
If the moisture is causing the car brakes to squeak, you need not be alarmed. For the first few stops, you will notice the grinding sound but this goes away once the moisture clears.
How to fix squealing brakes.
Most manufacturers will consider the pad life, noise, dust accumulation and pricing when they install the braking system for your vehicle.
- Changing to an aftermarket ceramic or metallic break will literarily change the tune of the squeals.
Basically, because these after-market brakes are designed to cater for common causes of squeaking noises like moisture, dust and wear and tear.
- Aerosols.
The sprays that are applied on the brake pads friction materials. These usually change the brake’s friction characteristics.
Hence the reason that they are not highly recommended among drivers.
Anyway, the aerosols are not a bad solution when the car brakes are squeaking because they cause a silence effect.