Reasons Your Brakes May Be Squeaking
Without the proper care and maintenance of your brakes which include brake pads, brake rotors, brake drums and brake calipers, your vehicle may become unreliable when trying to stop.
Mavis Tires and Brakes would like you to know that for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other motorists, it’s imperative that brakes, on any vehicle, are kept in the best working order possible.
What does it mean when brakes squeak?
Sometimes there isn’t just one answer to a question, as it may be in this case. When your brakes squeak, or you have a brake squeal, that’s usually a sign that something isn’t right, and it should be investigated rather than ignored.
Is it OK to drive with squeaky brakes?
There are a few reasons brakes will squeak and may not be serious enough to stop driving. However, rather than take chances, especially when your passengers and other motorists could be involved, it’s always a good thing to have your squeaky brakes checked and adjusted at your local Mavis.
What to watch out for.
Wear indicator #1: Worn brake pads
Keep in mind that brake pads and brake rotors do wear over time which could cause a squeaking noise. Squeaky brake noise may mean the disc brakes are wearing off. The metal tab on brake pads rub on the brake rotors more than it should when it’s worn. Replacing the pads and/or rotors might be what is needed.
Wear indicator #2: Dust or debris build-up between your pads and rotors.
Squeaking car brakes can also be caused by dirt or debris trapped between your pads and rotors causing an area to rub and result in a high-pitched squeal.
Wear indicator #3: Overnight moisture
If you notice squeaking brakes on your vehicle in the morning, that could be a sign of overnight moisture especially if you park your vehicle outside a garage during rainfall, humidity or snow. The grinding noise or squealing will disappear under normal driving conditions.
Wear indicator #4: Metallic Brake Pads
There are different types of brake pads. Organic, ceramic, and metallic pads. These brake pad materials, while more effective in slowing down heavier vehicles, are also noisier than the average brake and can cause occasional grinding or a squealing noise.
Wear indicator #5: Your driving style
Frequent hard braking, especially when driving at higher speeds can cause overheating on the brakes, disrupting the smooth brake pad and rotor surface and causing a squealing sound. “Riding the brakes”, especially downhill, can also cause glazing on the brakes. Glazed brakes will no longer stop the vehicle effectively as it is designated to. The brakes may fracture or crack. Your best option is to have the team at your local Mavis assess and potentially replace your brakes.
Wear indicator #6: Lack of Lubrication on Drum Brakes
If your rear brakes utilize brake shoes, the squealing noise may come from the contact point between the backing plate and the brake shoe. Improper lubrication or insufficient brake grease may cause the shoes to scrape against the backing plate causing the noise.
Trust Mavis Tires and Brakes for quality brake maintenance.
You’ll know when it is time to have your brakes inspected and serviced. Having your brakes checked when just one of these indicators occur could save you a lot of money in repairs later.
Squeaking sound
Grinding noise
Pulsing or vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel
Vehicle not having enough stopping power
The vehicle requires greater amounts of time and distance to stop
Visit your local Mavis for a free brake inspection. Mavis will provide you with reliable and affordable service while helping you discover what services and parts you need for your vehicle.