Is It Normal for New Car Brakes to Make Noise?

[VanEmery]

It is normal for new car brakes to make noise as the brake discs and pads need a break-in period. Brakes serve the functions of deceleration and stopping, and their working principle is: by utilizing the friction between the brake pads and brake drums, as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy through friction, thereby bringing the car to a halt. The maintenance methods for brakes include: 1. High-temperature protection to prevent corrosion of the brake system, avoid brake pads from seizing due to high temperatures, and eliminate brake squealing; 2. Cleaning oil stains, dirt, and friction dust from brake discs, drums, and any components to ensure good heat dissipation of the brake discs; 3. Regularly replacing brake fluid; 4. Periodically checking the thickness of brake pads or shoes.

[LeahMarie]

As a professional who deals with repair orders every day, I've seen too many cases of new car owners' concerns. 90% of brake noises are actually benign phenomena. The microscopic jagged structure of the friction surface between the disc and pads takes about 500 kilometers to fully mesh together, during which time it's like sandpaper rubbing against wood—some noise is expected. Focus on three key points: If the noise only occurs at low speeds, it's normal; a squeaking sound when starting in rainy weather is due to rust friction; and brief noises when the car is cold are nothing to worry about. However, if every brake application comes with regular vibrations or noticeable steering wheel shaking, it might indicate uneven disc surfaces requiring resurfacing.

[VonErin]

It's quite normal for a newly purchased car to have some brake noise. My experience is to give your beloved car some time to adapt. The copper fibers and carbon particles added in the brake pads can produce noise when adjusting to their new counterparts, much like new leather shoes rubbing against your heels when walking. It's advisable to avoid sudden braking in the first month, especially not stepping on the brakes in standing water after heavy rain. Last month, I encountered an obsessive-compulsive customer who insisted that the brake noise of the new car affected the driving mood. The technician conducted an on-site disassembly and inspection, finding a 0.2mm gap left during the assembly of the metal noise-damping shim. In such cases, applying some noise-damping paste can easily resolve the issue.

[VonLeah]

My Golf had this issue right after delivery, and the sales director personally told me it's a common characteristic of German cars. The high metal content in the brake pads causes a grinding noise during cold starts when coming to a stop, especially noticeable in enclosed spaces like underground garages. The solution is simple: find a safe stretch of road and perform several gradual brakes from 60 km/h down to 5 km/h, allowing the friction surfaces to fully engage about ten times. However, be cautious if you notice a burning smell or if the metal grinding noise persists after releasing the brake pedal, as it's likely due to insufficient lubrication of the guide pins.

[LaDamian]

A friend who studies automotive materials once explained the principle of brake noise to me. Currently, semi-metallic brake pads contain about 30% steel fibers, and their microscopic collisions with cast iron discs produce noises at different frequencies. From my own experience: during the rainy season in the south, the squeaking sound of brakes on a new car in the morning is particularly loud; in the north, driving a model with auto-hold, there's a distinct 'click' sound every time the brake is released. These noises don't affect safety, but if there's continuous friction noise while driving at a constant speed on a flat road without pressing the brake, it's time to check the brake caliper. Also, remember to clean the small stones stuck in the wheel hubs promptly—these can cause much more trouble than abnormal noises if they get into the brake system.