What Causes Noise When Braking in a New Car?
2 Answers
There are several main reasons for noise when braking in a new car: 1. Uneven wear on the brake disc (rotor) caused by metallic paint or other hard substances on the brake pads after heavy braking: When the brake disc becomes uneven, slight vibrations and noise may occur during subsequent braking. Additionally, noise from new car brakes can rule out the possibility of worn-out brake pads. 2. Possible presence of water, oil, or metallic substances inside the brake pads: Friction during braking can produce noise. It is necessary to disassemble the brake pads to check for any foreign objects or signs of friction. If foreign objects are found, they should be promptly removed. If there are friction marks on the brake rotor, it should be replaced or resurfaced immediately.
As someone who has been repairing cars for over a decade, I've seen plenty of cases where new cars have noisy brakes, which is usually just the brake components going through their break-in period. New brake pads and rotors fresh from the factory may have slightly rough surfaces or a protective coating, causing some minor noise initially, especially at low speeds. It's as normal as new shoes squeaking a bit when you first walk in them. I advise owners to just drive normally for the first few hundred kilometers, and using more gentle braking can help with the break-in. However, if the noise is a harsh metal-on-metal scraping sound, it could indicate debris caught in the brakes or improper installation, which requires immediate inspection. Safety-wise, don't wait until unusual noises affect braking performance—regular checks of the brake system can prevent bigger issues. In short, this minor annoyance with new cars isn't a big deal and will resolve itself with driving.
