What are the reasons for abnormal noise when braking?
3 Answers
Abnormal noise when braking may be caused by normal ABS operation, safety reminders, loose chassis components, or unstable brake discs. Precautions for braking are as follows: 1. Coasting in neutral downhill with brake control: Many people may choose to coast in neutral downhill and use the brakes to control speed, thinking it saves fuel, but this is actually a misconception. Coasting in neutral downhill and using brakes to control distance for a long time may lead to overheating and failure of the brake system, resulting in accidents. When encountering a downhill slope, you should shift into the appropriate gear based on the speed and use engine braking, occasionally supplemented by braking. This method is both safe and extends the life of the brakes and should be kept in mind. 2. Braking hard when a tire blows out: Some drivers may have encountered a tire blowout. The common instinctive reaction is to brake hard in an emergency. In such a situation, do not panic. Hold the steering wheel firmly, try to control the direction of the car to prevent loss of balance, and slow down gradually. For manual transmission models, you can downshift step by step or shift to neutral, release the accelerator, and gently press the brake repeatedly until the car comes to a slow stop. 3. Braking at traffic lights: This is a situation encountered and performed daily while driving. Many people tend to brake directly when encountering a red light, which is actually not reasonable. When waiting at a red light, if the waiting time is around 10 seconds, you can slow down and use the brakes to control. However, if the red light lasts more than 30 seconds, this operation becomes very unreasonable. In this case, you should choose to engage the handbrake and shift to neutral to avoid the balance between the brake and transmission, which could cause damage to components and harm the car.
After driving for so many years, I often encounter the problem of strange noises when braking, mainly caused by excessively worn brake pads or dust accumulation on the discs. Especially after rainy days or driving on dirt roads, moisture and mud stick to the brake system, causing squeaking sounds when braking, which can be quite annoying. I recommend regularly checking the thickness of the brake pads and replacing them promptly if they are too thin. Otherwise, it increases the risk of wear and affects overall performance. Cleaning them yourself is also simple—just wipe the brake discs with a soft cloth to alleviate the issue. Paying attention to this during regular car maintenance can save a lot of trouble. I once neglected it, and the brakes failed, nearly causing an accident—a lesson learned. Now, I make it a habit to check every six months to ensure everything is safe and smooth.
As a car enthusiast, I enjoy delving into these mechanical details. Brake squealing is mostly caused by issues with the brake discs or brake pads. When they are excessively worn, have deep surface scratches, or small stones get lodged in them, they produce a harsh metallic grinding sound when braking. I recommend taking some time to inspect the disc and pad surfaces for smoothness. Newly installed brake pads sometimes require a few hundred kilometers of break-in and may produce slight noise, which is normal. DIY tools like a manual jack can help you easily remove and inspect them—keeping the surfaces clean should resolve the issue. Additionally, checking if the caliper bolts are loose is crucial, as small issues can accumulate and eventually damage the entire system. Remember to apply some anti-rust oil to the brake system regularly to prevent corrosion.
