What Causes Brake Noise After Washing the Car?
2 Answers
The reason for brake noise after washing the car is that water enters the wheel's brake drum during washing, and sand particles splash onto the brake pads along with the water, causing noise when braking. The steps for washing the car are: 1. Park the car in an open area, turn off the engine, and shut down all in-car equipment; 2. Prepare car wash detergent; 3. Use a water gun to wet the entire surface of the car body; 4. You can use a high-pressure water gun to rinse the wheels and the bumpers on both sides; 5. Apply the detergent evenly on the car's surface using a sponge or flannel cloth; 6. Rinse off the foam and dirty water from the car body with a water gun; 7. Dry the car body with a car wash cloth.
I've found that brake noise after car washing is quite common, mainly because water gets into the brake system, such as between the brake discs and pads not drying thoroughly. When you drive off immediately after washing, moisture can cause squealing friction sounds. Typically, gently applying the brakes a few times over a short distance of a few hundred meters will evaporate the water and restore normal operation. However, if the noise persists or is accompanied by vibration, it's a serious issue: brake discs may have residual sand or dust from washing causing uneven friction; or worse, the brake pads may have worn thin and need immediate inspection or replacement. I've encountered similar situations before, and regular maintenance of brake components plus slow-speed dry braking for a while after washing can easily prevent trouble.
