What Causes Car Brakes to Squeak?

[OPaige]

The reason for car brakes squeaking is that the brake pads have worn down and become very thin, causing the brake drum to come into direct contact with the vehicle. Friction between metal components will inevitably produce noise. If the brake pads are too thin, the warning indicator light should illuminate; however, sometimes it may not light up even before reaching the set limit. If the brake pads are found to be in good condition upon inspection, it is safe to continue driving. The car is likely equipped with ABS. When braking, you might sometimes feel a slight rebound, especially when driving on uneven roads, or even a slight vibration underfoot—these are normal phenomena. If such sensations occur without ABS, it is recommended to have the vehicle checked at a 4S shop.

[DelAshlyn]

I've encountered the issue of squeaky brakes while driving a few times, mainly due to brake pad problems. If your car suddenly makes a squealing noise when braking, it's mostly caused by the metal layer of the brake pads wearing out and rubbing against the brake discs, producing that sharp sound. This often happens after rainy days or when the car hasn't been driven for a week, due to rust or dust getting stuck. When I check it myself, I first listen to whether the sound is coming from the front or rear wheels, then get out and inspect the thickness of the brake pads—if they're worn down to less than 3 millimeters, it's time to replace them. Of course, it could also be caused by uneven brake discs or scratches leading to uneven friction. If the car shakes when braking or you feel the braking force weakening, that's a serious problem that needs immediate repair. For safety's sake, it's best not to delay and just drive to a repair shop to have a mechanic check it out. After all, the braking system is a matter of life and death—replacing brake pads only costs around a hundred bucks, and you can't put a price on safety.

[MasonRose]

There are several reasons for brake noise. A common one is severely worn brake pads, where the metal part directly contacts the brake disc, causing noise. For example, a humming sound during low-speed braking is likely due to this. Another possibility is foreign objects or debris on the brake pad surface, especially after rain when roads are slippery. Uneven or cracked brake discs can also produce squeaking sounds. For diagnosis, start with the sound characteristics: short, sharp squeals often indicate foreign objects or initial wear, while continuous abnormal noises suggest deep wear requiring replacement. Improper installation, such as loose calipers, may also cause vibration and noise. The solution is to first clean around the brake system. If that doesn't work, check the thickness and consider replacing parts. Long-term neglect may accelerate brake disc wear and even affect braking performance. It's recommended to check the brake condition every six months.

[VonAniyah]

My car's brakes started making noise shortly after I bought it, which really scared me! After checking, the reasons might be quite simple, like rust or dust on the brake pads causing squeaking after rain, which can be resolved by driving a few times at high speed to wear them down. It could also be due to low-quality brake pads or the original parts needing replacement. If the brakes emit a sharp screech when pressed, it's crucial to stop immediately and check for safety hazards. I don't know how to fix it myself, but I've learned to inspect them: use a flashlight to check the brake pads; if the edges are worn flat, it's dangerous. In short, if the brakes behave abnormally while driving, don't panic. First, pull over safely and then ask a mechanic for help to inspect them.