What Causes Brake Noise in Snowy Weather?
2 Answers
The causes of brake noise in snowy weather are: 1. Corrosion of brake discs or brake pads; 2. Excessive wear of brake discs and brake pads, typically brake pads should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, and brake discs every 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers; 3. If the brake pads are installed incorrectly or the model does not match, noise may also occur. High temperature is the main cause of brake pad degradation, so brake cooling becomes particularly important; For disc brakes, cooling air should be directed towards the caliper, as the primary reason for brake degradation is the boiling of brake fluid within the caliper. Proper ducts or specially designed rims can direct cooling air to the caliper while driving.
The first time I braked in the snow, the loud cracking sound really scared me. It happened shortly after I started driving, when I stepped on the brakes on a snowy road and noticed the noise was unusually loud. Later, a friend told me that such abnormal sounds are mostly caused by ice and snow covering the brake pads. Snow particles or melted water from the road splash between the brake discs and pads, and the low temperatures cause the water to freeze, forming a layer of ice. When braking, the metal rubbing against the ice produces sharp noises. If the braking system wasn’t cleaned thoroughly before, old dirt can also easily cause sticking in cold weather. It’s recommended to warm up the car for a few minutes before driving in the snow to heat up the brakes and reduce ice buildup. If the abnormal noise persists after driving, don’t delay—head to a repair shop immediately to check the wear on the brake pads, as safety is the top priority. In winter, it’s also important to regularly clear snow buildup around the wheels.
