What Causes Brake Noise After Washing the Car?
2 Answers
Brake noise after washing the car is caused by a thin layer of water film forming between the brake pads and brake discs, which produces a screeching sound when braking. This is a normal phenomenon, and the noise will stop once the brake discs heat up after driving for a while. Whether you wash the car at a car wash or do it yourself, make sure the car's engine hood has completely cooled down before cleaning. Especially in summer, avoid washing the car under strong sunlight, as this can accelerate the aging of the car's engine. Since the car's paint surface is constantly exposed to the air and suffers from pollution and damage from dirty air, asphalt, and gravel, the paint can easily peel off. Therefore, avoid using hard cleaning tools such as plastic brushes, ordinary towels, or coarse cloths to wipe the car, as they may leave scratches. To maintain the gloss of the car's paint surface, it is recommended to polish the vehicle regularly.
I often encounter brake noise after car washing. Water entering the brake system can cause surface rust on the brake discs, resulting in squeaking sounds when braking. After driving a few kilometers, the rust wears off and the noise naturally disappears. Additionally, the water flow during washing may flush small stones or sand into the gap between the brake pads and discs, causing noise during friction. During inspection, check if the brake pads are severely worn, as excessive thinness can worsen the noise. Driving a short distance after regular car washing can usually eliminate the noise. If the noise persists for more than a week, there might still be foreign objects or component damage, so it's safer to visit a professional shop for inspection. After all, brake issues should never be overlooked.
