What are the causes of brake noise in Audi Q5 during winter?
2 Answers
Audi Q5 winter brake noise causes are: 1. Brake disc or pad corrosion; 2. New brake pads; 3. Excessive wear of brake discs or pads; 4. Incorrectly installed or mismatched brake pads; 5. Use of low-quality or overly hard brake pads; 6. Abnormal brake caliper or lack of brake fluid; 7. Foreign objects between brake drum/disc and lining. Taking the 2020 Audi Q5 as an example, it belongs to the midsize SUV category with body dimensions: length 4753mm, width 1893mm, height 1659mm, wheelbase 2908mm, fuel tank capacity 73L, and curb weight 1855kg.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the squeaky brakes on Audi Q5 in winter are all too common. The main reason is the sudden temperature drop makes brake pads and discs harder and more brittle, causing that annoying squeal when friction occurs. Humid days make it worse—rust forms when rain or snow seeps in, creating scraping noises when braking. The brake material design isn't perfect either; some low-metallic pads are more prone to resonance and noise in cold conditions. Uneven wear is also an issue, such as burrs or high spots on the edges of brake pads, which worsen the noise in cold weather. Solutions? Lightly press the brakes a few times after starting the car to warm them up—this can reduce the noise significantly. If the squeaking is frequent, don’t delay—visit a professional shop for inspection, cleaning, or part replacement. Winter roads are slippery, and abnormal brakes compromise safety—fixing it early brings peace of mind. After all, small issues become big headaches if ignored.