What Causes the Friction Sound from Brake Discs at Low Speeds?

[MacGabriella]

The reasons for friction sounds from brake discs at low speeds are as follows: 1. Metal hard spots on brake pads: If there are tiny metal particles on the brake pads, they will produce a sharp sound when braking. You can try slamming the brakes a few times or sanding/replacing the brake pads. 2. Severe wear on the brake disc: After prolonged use, deep grooves may form on the brake disc where the brake pads make contact, causing abnormal noises when braking. If the grooves are shallow, sanding the edges of the brake pads may help. If the grooves are deep, replacing the brake disc is necessary. 3. Small stones or a water film between the brake disc and brake pads: If you've driven on gravel roads, in dusty weather, or just washed the car, check for and remove small stones, or press the brakes a few times to wear off the water film.

[VonNaomi]

I've been driving for years, and the friction noise during low-speed braking is quite common. Mostly, it's due to surface rust on the brake discs, especially after rain or car washes when humidity is high, forming a layer of rust on the iron discs. The squeaking sound occurs when braking grinds off that rust layer. Sometimes, it's because the brake pads are overly worn or small stones get stuck in the gaps. I've also experienced new brake pads making noise for a few days before properly breaking in. If the noise persists or becomes harsh, it's essential to get it checked immediately. Last time my car had this issue, the repair shop found the brake pads were only 3mm thick, so I had them replaced right away. Regular maintenance of the braking system can prevent such problems, like a simple inspection of the disc and pad condition and cleaning every six months. Don't delay on safety; prolonged neglect could lead to brake failure or increased stopping distance, raising the risk of accidents.

[Lori]

As an average car owner who often drives in urban areas, minor brake squealing at low speeds isn't a big issue. Once my car made noise right after washing, which turned out to be rust marks from water on the brake discs. The sound disappeared after driving for a while as it wore off. Another common cause is new brake pads producing friction noise during the break-in period due to their rough surface, or dust accumulation between brake components. I usually first check around the wheel hub for any foreign objects or obvious brake pad wear. If nothing's wrong, I'll try spraying some brake cleaner. Only if that doesn't work will I visit the garage. After handling this several times, I've learned most cases just require timely cleaning or simple maintenance. Also, this issue occurs more frequently when parked in humid environments. Regularly checking tire and brake pad conditions helps reduce noise occurrence.

[RicardoFitz]

I prioritize driving safety, and low-speed braking noises should not be ignored. Common causes include rusted brake discs or excessively worn brake pads; sometimes, foreign objects entering the system can cause friction noises. Ignoring these sounds may affect braking performance and increase safety risks. I personally experienced this once—during rainy weather, the noise was very loud. Upon inspection, it turned out the brake disc had slight deformation, and timely repairs prevented potential hazards. My advice is to take action promptly if you hear any unusual sounds: perform a simple self-check for signs of wear or foreign objects; if unsure, visit a professional repair shop immediately to ensure the brakes are functioning properly. For prevention, avoid parking for extended periods on muddy or dusty roads, and maintain a habit of regular vehicle inspections.

[McLeila]

I enjoy DIY car repairs and can handle low-speed brake squealing. Often, it's due to rust on the brake discs, which occurs after rain or prolonged parking. Driving at high speed for a minute or two usually grinds off the rust layer, eliminating the noise. Alternatively, it could be friction noise from sand or small stones stuck between the brake pads. I always keep brake cleaner on hand to spray and remove debris. If the noise persists, it might indicate that the brake pads are worn to their limit and need replacement. I usually remove the wheel to check the thickness of the discs and pads, as well as the tightness of the installation. I remember once finding loose fixing screws; tightening them made the noise disappear. However, be cautious not to grind excessively to avoid damaging components. Generally, minor issues can be resolved on your own, but in severe cases, such as noise accompanied by brake judder, it's best to consult a specialist to inspect the internal system.