How to Deal with Squeaky Brakes on a Vios?
3 Answers
The solutions for squeaky brakes on a Vios are: 1. Replace the brake pads; 2. Replace the brake discs; 3. Clean the brake discs; 4. Clean the brake calipers; 5. Top up the brake fluid. Taking the Vios 2021 model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4435mm, width 1700mm, height 1490mm, wheelbase 2550mm, minimum ground clearance 160mm, and fuel tank capacity 42l. The Vios 2021 model is equipped with a 1.5l naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 81kw and a maximum torque of 138nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
My Vios also had brake noise issues before, especially noticeable during cold starts. This is mostly caused by friction between the brake pads and rotors, possibly indicating the brake pads have worn down to their limit with the metal indicators starting to scrape as a warning. Sometimes after rain or car washing, rust on the rotor surface can also cause squeaking when braking. Additionally, newly replaced brake pads require a break-in period of several hundred kilometers and may produce noise initially. You'd better check the brake pad thickness yourself first - if it's already below 3mm, they need immediate replacement. If there are obvious grooves on the rotors or small stones stuck in them, they can also produce sharp noises. Never delay addressing this since brakes are safety-critical. The safest approach is to have a repair shop lift the car for thorough inspection - usually replacing brake pads or resurfacing the rotors will solve the problem.
Don't ignore the abnormal noise from Vios brakes, as it relates to driving safety. The most common cause is excessively worn brake pads, where the metal backing plate directly rubs against the brake disc, producing a harsh screeching sound. Newly replaced brake pads of average quality may also create noise due to overly hard material composition. Additionally, brake discs tend to rust after driving in rainy conditions, resulting in creaking sounds upon startup the next day, which typically disappear after driving a few kilometers. Here's a simple diagnostic method: lightly press the brakes several times during initial acceleration to see if the noise disappears - if so, it might indicate minor rust issues. However, persistent metallic grinding sounds definitely require immediate inspection of brake pad thickness. Warped brake discs or uneven surfaces can also cause abnormal noises, requiring professional equipment for measurement. Timely attention is crucial, as safety always comes first.
