What Causes a Car's Brakes to Make a Squealing Noise?

[Penny]

Car brakes make a squealing noise due to the following reasons: 1. Severe wear of brake pads or brake discs; 2. Foreign objects between the rotor and caliper; 3. Break-in period for newly replaced brake pads; 4. Poor quality of brake pads; 5. Damaged brake shims; 6. Rust and corrosion on the rotor. Solutions to address squealing brakes include: 1. Replacing brake pads or brake discs; 2. Adjusting brake tightness appropriately; 3. Cleaning rust off the brake pads; 4. Applying lubricant to reduce friction between brake components. Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving vehicles, machinery, or other transportation tools.

[CoreyAnn]

My car's brakes have been squeaking a lot lately, which is really annoying. The main reason is that the brake pads are worn too thin. There's a warning metal piece on the pad that makes a screeching sound when it contacts the rotor to remind you to replace them. Another common situation is weather-related, like when the brake rotors rust after rain and make a glass-scratching noise when you brake, but it goes away after a few stops. Dust or small stones can also get stuck between the pads and rotors, especially after driving through construction sites or muddy roads. New brake pads might squeak for a few days during the break-in period because the surface isn't smooth yet, but if it lasts too long, you should check if they were installed correctly. Ignoring these noises is quite dangerous as it can increase braking distance. I almost rear-ended someone last time before learning my lesson and rushing to the repair shop. I recommend measuring pad thickness every 20,000 km or during semi-annual maintenance, and paying attention to changes in brake pedal feel during normal driving. Prevention is better than dealing with emergencies later - paying for repairs is much cheaper than having an accident.

[IvanLynn]

After years of driving, the screeching sound of brakes always makes me slow down nervously. The most common cause is aging and wear of brake pads, where thinning materials lead to unstable friction and produce piercing noises. Parking outside in rainy weather can also cause rust on the discs, resulting in noise, with damp conditions having a significant impact. Sometimes, newly replaced pads may squeak for the first few days, but if the noise persists, it indicates a deeper issue. Dust accumulation or small debris trapped between the pads can cause uneven friction, leading to noise. Ignoring it for too long may reduce braking efficiency, posing high safety risks. I've developed a habit of checking the brake area while washing my car weekly to keep it clean and minimize debris. During maintenance, the mechanic emphasized the importance of regular pad replacements, especially for city commuting, which causes faster wear. Addressing unusual sounds promptly is crucial to prevent potential hazards.

[DiAdaline]

When playing with cars, the harsh braking sound is mostly due to friction issues between the pads and discs. Pads containing metal components can cause high-frequency vibration noise, especially with low-quality pads which are more prone to squeaking. New pads may squeak during the initial rough break-in period, but this usually disappears after a few hundred kilometers. Scratches on the discs, uncleaned oil stains, or accumulated dust can also cause noise. A few sharp squeaks when braking after long periods of inactivity are caused by rust. Check the thickness regularly and replace them in time—don’t wait for warning sounds to indicate a major problem. Simple maintenance ensures safety first.