What Causes the Squeaking Noise from Brake Pads When the Car is Cold?

[OSadie]

The reasons for squeaking brakes when the car is cold are as follows: 1. If it is a new car, the brake pads and brake discs are still in the break-in period, which may cause a slight hissing noise. This is normal and can be ignored. It usually disappears automatically after a few hundred kilometers. 2. There may be foreign objects between the brake pads and brake discs, such as small particles like sand or small stones that have entered between them, causing a hissing sound. 3. The brake discs and brake pads may be stuck together due to rust, causing noise. This usually happens after driving in the rain and then leaving the car unused for several days. The brake discs and brake pads rust and stick together, resulting in noise when driving again. This is also normal. 4. The brake disc fixing screws may be missing or excessively worn, causing a mismatch with the brake pads and resulting in noise. 5. The brake pads may be nearly worn out, which can cause a screeching sound. If this occurs continuously for several days and the noise becomes louder and more frequent, it usually indicates that the brake pads need to be replaced.

[Ross]

Hey, I've noticed that brake squealing when the car is cold is pretty common, especially during morning startups—that screeching sound is really annoying. There are several typical causes: one is oxide or rust buildup on the brake pad surface, which hardens at low temperatures and creates that harsh noise when friction occurs. Another possibility is moisture condensation between the pads and rotors—overnight dew accumulation can cause adhesion, leading to noise during the first brake application. Material issues are also a factor; some cheap brake pads have unstable formulations that contract excessively in cold weather, reducing friction efficiency. Additionally, uneven or worn brake rotors can amplify the noise. Fixing it isn't too hard: try gently pressing the brakes a few times to warm them up. If the noise persists, it's time to inspect—clean off surface rust or apply specialized high-temperature lubricant. Remember, frequent unusual noises may indicate severe wear—replace them promptly for safety. As a mechanic, I've seen many drivers ignore this, only to end up with degraded braking performance, which is seriously risky.

[VonLillian]

When I drive, especially on winter mornings, I often hear strange noises from the brakes. This is mainly because after sitting overnight, the metal components contract or moisture freezes on the surface, causing slight adhesion between the brake pads and rotors, resulting in a squeak when first applied. Another possible reason is the material of the brake pads—if cheap ones are used or they're worn out, friction becomes uneven in cold temperatures. I’ve experienced this myself, and a simple fix is to drive slowly for a few minutes after starting the car to let the brake system warm up slightly, which usually reduces the noise. If that doesn’t work, it’s necessary to check whether the brake rotors are smooth and free of scratches or if there are hard spots on the pads that need grinding. I suggest not ignoring it—loud noises when the car is cold aren’t just annoying; they might hint at underlying issues, like the risk of brake failure. I always remind myself to have the technician inspect the brakes during regular maintenance, typically every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, to keep the system in good condition. Safety comes first, so don’t overlook these small details.

[Easton]

As someone quite fascinated by car modifications, I've discussed cold-start brake squealing quite often. There are two main reasons: first, the brake pad material expands and contracts with temperature changes, making it prone to surface irregularities or moisture absorption, which causes friction noise; second, if the brake disc has slight rust or unevenness, it amplifies the sound. Don't buy into that 'it's all normal' nonsense – unusual noises often indicate issues that need timely attention. Try cleaning the brake system or applying proper lubrication; replacing with high-quality components is even better. In short, don't take it lightly – safe driving is the priority.

[Cole]

When I first learned to drive, I was afraid of the squeaking sound from the brakes when the car was cold—it was unsettling. The reason is simple: after sitting overnight, the brake pads harden or get damp from dew, causing friction issues that lead to noise when pressed. Additionally, material aging or dust buildup can also cause this. My advice is not to brake hard—instead, warm up the car first, then gently test the brakes to ease into it. If the noise is loud, it’s best to get them checked and serviced, such as cleaning or replacing parts. Stay safe and avoid accidents.