What Causes Brake Noise When the Car is Cold?
2 Answers
Here are the reasons for brake noise when the car is cold: 1. If it's a new car, the brake pads and discs are still in the break-in period, which may cause a slight hissing sound. This is normal and usually disappears after a few hundred kilometers. 2. There may be foreign objects between the brake pads and discs, such as small particles like sand or small stones, which can cause a hissing noise. 3. The brake discs and pads may be stuck together due to rust, causing noise. This usually happens after driving in the rain and then leaving the car unused for a few days. The rust causes them to stick together, resulting in noise when driving again, which is normal. 4. The brake disc fixing screws may be missing or excessively worn, causing a mismatch with the brake pads and resulting in noise. 5. The brake pads may be nearly worn out, which can cause a screeching sound. If this happens continuously for several days and the noise becomes louder and more frequent, it usually indicates that the brake pads need replacement.
Last time I encountered this situation, I specifically asked a mechanic. Squeaky brakes during cold starts are mostly due to damp brake pads or surface frost. After driving a few intersections and the temperature rises, it should go away. This is especially common in northern winters, where metal brake pads contract and harden in the cold, creating a friction sound against the brake disc like nails on a chalkboard. After the last snowfall, my car's front right wheel screeched like that. When I drove to the shop for inspection, they found ice particles had formed on the edges of the brake pads. If the noise persists for several days, it might mean the brake disc has been deeply grooved, and you should replace it immediately to avoid further damage and higher costs.