What Causes Car Brake Noise?
4 Answers
Car brake noise can be caused by the following reasons: 1. Use of low-quality or overly hard brake pads: If inferior or excessively hard brake pads are used, they may produce a squeaking sound when rubbing against the brake disc during braking. 2. Presence of sand or foreign objects between the brake pad and brake disc: Due to the unique design of disc brakes, some sand or foreign objects may get lodged between the brake pad and brake disc, causing unusual noises during braking. 3. Severe wear of brake pads: If brake pads are not replaced for a long time and their wear reaches the warning line, they will emit a squeaking alarm sound, indicating that replacement is necessary.
I find that car brake noise is quite common, with a variety of causes. The most frequent is excessively worn brake pads, where the metal inside grinds against the brake disc, producing a harsh sound—it's like a reminder to replace them soon. Dust or small stones accumulating in the brake system can also cause noise, especially after rainy or humid weather when moisture causes the discs and pads to rust, leading to squealing, though this usually goes away after driving for a while. Another possibility is warped or unbalanced brake discs, and improper installation can also cause issues. I remember during one repair, the mechanic reminded me to regularly check the brake pad thickness, as ignoring it could lead to damaged discs, making repairs more costly and troublesome later. In short, safety comes first—don’t delay if you hear noises; get it checked at a professional shop early.
I get a bit nervous when I hear squeaky brakes while driving, as it directly relates to safety. From my experience, it's mainly caused by worn-out brake pads that need replacement. Otherwise, the noise gets progressively louder when braking. It could also be due to debris accumulation in the wheel hub - the brakes might squeak during the first stop after prolonged parking, but the noise disappears after a few minutes. Additionally, if new brake components have been recently installed, there's a break-in period required, and the noise should subside within a few days. Last time my car had severe squeaking, the mechanic found uneven rotor surfaces - replacing them solved the issue. I recommend developing a habit: inspect your brake system's cleanliness monthly and use a high-pressure water sprayer to clean the wheels, which significantly reduces dust-related problems.
Brake squealing usually comes from brake pads being too thin or dirty. When you press the brakes, metal contacts the disc and makes a squeaking sound, which is a warning not to delay repairs, otherwise braking power will decrease, and in severe cases, accidents can occur. I often remind myself to check: if the noise appears briefly after rain, it's normal, but if it persists, you should see a professional. Simple maintenance like cleaning the wheels can prevent dust buildup and costs little.
