What Causes Abnormal Brake Noises When the Car is Cold?
2 Answers
There are several reasons for abnormal brake noises when the car is cold, which require specific troubleshooting. The main causes include friction between the brake disc and pads, sand particles entering, and worn brake pads. Below is an introduction to the causes of abnormal brake noises when the car is cold: 1. Brake Disc and Pads: For new cars, new brake discs and pads need to be worn in, which can cause abnormal noises. These noises can be divided into vibration friction and sharp hissing sounds. However, these noises will disappear after a few hundred kilometers. If a new car experiences brake noises, no action is needed as long as the car does not pull to one side during braking. 2. Windy or Dusty Weather: Sand or dust particles may enter between the disc and pads, causing a hissing noise. In this case, stepping hard on the brakes a few times or waiting a few days will make the noise disappear. 3. Worn Brake Pads: When the brake pads wear down to the wear indicator, a hard point will produce a hissing sound. If the hissing noise occurs every time you brake for several days in a row, and the noise becomes louder and more frequent, it indicates that the brake pads are nearly worn out. At this point, the brake pads should be replaced.
My car's brakes always squeak in the morning during winter, which is quite unsettling. After researching, I found it's mainly caused by low temperatures. Overnight parking in high humidity causes a rust film to form on the brake disc surface, resulting in that sharp metal scraping sound with the first brake application in the morning. The noise disappears after driving for a while as the rust wears off. Another reason could be damp brake pads or small stones stuck in them, which harden in the cold and cause dry friction with the disc. This is especially noticeable after rain when parked outdoors—common in old residential areas like mine without garages. If concerned, you can check the brake pad thickness when possible; if worn down to the warning metal piece, it's time for replacement. For new cars, simply pressing the brakes a few times to dry out the moisture usually solves the issue.
