What Causes Brake Squealing in Rainy Weather?
4 Answers
Here are the reasons for car brake squealing in rainy weather: 1. Fine sand carried by water adheres to the brake disc: In humid weather or when there's significant day-night temperature difference with dew or after rain, the brake disc may rust, equivalent to tiny particles. Car brake pads come in hard and soft varieties - hard ones are more wear-resistant but if there are small particles between hard pads and gray cast iron discs, they can produce sharp squealing sounds. A few brake applications will grind away these particles. 2. Missing or damaged brake disc mounting screws: This can also cause brake noise. 3. Brake system malfunction: This requires inspection and repair at a 4S shop or auto repair shop.
As someone who enjoys driving, I've experienced brake squealing multiple times during rainy days. This is mainly because rainwater wets the brake discs, forming a thin water film or minor rust on the surface. When you step on the brakes, the friction between the brake pads and the water film produces squeaking or sharp noises. I've noticed that some initial squeaking is normal during the first few brake applications, as rainwater contains many impurities, but it usually disappears after a few more presses. If the squeaking is frequent, it might indicate aging brake pads absorbing moisture or rust formation, requiring cleaning or replacement at a repair shop. I remember that heavy rain drive when the noise startled me, but regular maintenance later reduced such issues. For driving in the rain, I recommend gently pressing the brakes initially to warm them up and avoiding sudden stops.
Brake noise in rainy conditions is quite common. From my driving experience, it's mainly because rainwater moistens the brake discs, forming a thin layer of rust that causes abnormal friction sounds. I must emphasize that this can sometimes be a safety signal. If the noise persists, it might indicate excessive brake pad wear or contamination, requiring rust prevention inspection. On wet rainy roads, I've developed the habit of driving at lower speeds and braking earlier to ensure the braking system functions effectively. Should the noise be accompanied by vibration, I immediately pull over safely and contact a professional for inspection. For prevention, wiping the brake area during each car wash is a good practice.
In my opinion, brake squeaking in the rain is extremely common. As a young car owner, I've found it mostly stems from water droplets temporarily adhering to the brake pads, creating friction noise. Material factors like slight expansion of damp brake pads or dust accumulation can cause that grating sound. Simple solutions include pressing the brakes several times after rain to evaporate moisture, which often alleviates the issue. If the noise persists, it's worth checking whether the brake pads need resurfacing or replacement. I also inspect the wheel hubs for water accumulation and avoid directly spraying the brake area when washing the car. Remember to maintain your brakes promptly - don't delay.
