Brake Noise After Car Wash?
2 Answers
After washing the car, water enters the brakes, causing the brake discs and pads to rust and stick together. When you start driving again, this can result in unusual noises. Applying butter or specialized lubricant at the connection point between the brake pads and calipers can resolve this issue. Below is related information about brake noise: 1. In automatic transmission vehicles, slow release of the brakes can cause noise—a squeaking sound when starting. 2. During colder temperatures, rubber components in the suspension become stiffer, and the surfaces of the brake discs and pads may change, leading to noise upon starting, which usually subsides as the car warms up. 3. Both brake discs and pads are high-wear items. Each braking action causes friction between these parts, leading to wear over time. Excessive wear can result in noise, so regular inspection and replacement are necessary.
I've encountered the issue of brake squealing after car washing several times. It's actually caused by rust forming on the brake discs. When you park overnight after washing, a thin layer of rust develops on the disc surface. The first few brake applications the next morning will produce that ear-piercing metal-on-metal screech, like chalk on a blackboard. A few more brake applications will wear off the rust and solve the problem. If the noise persists for several days, it's possible the high-pressure washer forced small stones into the brake pads during washing. These particles act like sandpaper against the discs, causing both noise and damage. Similar situations occur when driving in rain. I recommend visiting a professional shop to check brake pad thickness and clean out any accumulated debris in the calipers - safety first, after all.