What Causes Brake Disc Noise?
2 Answers
Brake disc noise can be attributed to the following main reasons: 1. New car or newly replaced brake pads making noise: This is usually due to the new brake discs being harder. Typically, after driving a few hundred kilometers and once the brake pads are properly worn in, the noise will cease. 2. If the vehicle has been owned for many years and has high mileage, and the brake pads are making noise, attention is needed. This is likely because the brake pads have worn too thin. 3. If the car has been parked for a long time without use, or after being left for a few days following rain, you might hear noise from the brake discs when driving again. This situation occurs because rainwater or moisture has entered between the brake pads and discs, causing the brake discs to rust.
When my car's brake discs start making unusual noises, my first reaction is concern for safety, as this relates to the efficiency of the entire braking system. The cause is usually simple, like worn-out brake pads where the metal skeleton directly rubs against the disc, producing that harsh squealing sound that just doesn't sound right. Sometimes, if the discs rust from sitting too long, you'll hear a few creaks when braking after driving off, which is normal. But if the noise persists or occurs at low speeds, you need to be cautious. Checking brake pad thickness isn't hard—just use a flashlight to peek through the wheel hub gap. If you see metal points or the pad is worn down to the skeleton, replace them immediately. Otherwise, continuing to drive will damage the discs, skyrocketing repair costs by several hundred. Prevention is key: have technicians check during regular maintenance and avoid sudden braking to reduce overheating. Driving safety is paramount—don't delay handling it; get it checked at a reputable shop for peace of mind. From my own experience, delaying once nearly caused an accident, so now I get quarterly checks without fail.
