What Causes the Squeaking Noise When Releasing the Brake at Startup?
4 Answers
There are mainly three reasons for the squeaking noise when releasing the brake at startup: 1. If the noise stops immediately after pressing the brake, it may be due to the rotor being ground. 2. If a squeaking sound occurs after pressing the brake, it could be due to improper brake positioning or insufficient lubrication. 3. If different types of noises occur before and after pressing the brake, there may be an issue with the wheels or braking system, and it is recommended to have it inspected as soon as possible. Below is some additional information: When lifting the brake in a manual transmission car, the transmission does not output power, and the vehicle starts only after the brake is fully released. In an automatic transmission car, as soon as the gear is engaged, the transmission provides the force for the tires to rotate forward, but the vehicle does not move because the brake is pressed. When starting an automatic transmission car, the brake is usually released slowly. If the brake is released quickly, this noise will not occur.
My car has been making a strange creaking noise when starting and releasing the brakes recently, which is quite annoying. After checking, it's usually caused by severely worn brake pads rubbing against the metal disc, especially more common on rainy days due to rust on the disc surface from rainwater. Older cars with aging rubber components or lack of maintenance are also prone to this issue. Last time I went for car repair, the mechanic said the pads need replacement when their thickness falls below 2-3mm, otherwise braking distance increases which is very dangerous. It's recommended to inspect the brake system every six months, including cleaning dust from the disc surface. Delaying repairs may damage other components like calipers, increasing repair costs. Turning minor issues into major ones isn't worth it - address it early to ensure driving safety.
When you hear a scraping sound while releasing the brake at startup, it's most commonly caused by brake pads being too thin or rust spots on the rotor creating excessive resistance. This often happens especially after rainy seasons or leaving the car parked for several days - moisture causes rust that makes noise upon starting. A friend of mine encountered this and tried simple solutions: driving for a few minutes while applying brakes repeatedly to clear rust debris, or checking pad wear. New cars during break-in periods might also produce temporary abnormal sounds - no need to worry excessively but don't ignore it either. If accompanied by longer braking distances, check brake fluid levels and caliper lubrication. Remember small issues are easier to fix; delaying repairs leads to expensive part replacements and safety risks. Develop the habit of cleaning wheel hubs during every car wash for prevention.
Never ignore abnormal noises when braking at startup—I learned this the hard way. Persistent sounds nearly caused a rear-end collision in my case, as the issue stemmed from metal-on-metal friction due to worn brake pads. Such noises serve as critical warning signals. Delaying repairs can severely compromise braking performance, with heightened failure risks during emergency stops. Visit a professional workshop immediately to inspect for pad wear, rotor damage, or foreign object obstruction. Safety comes first—never dismiss minor sounds. Promptly ensure the system's integrity to protect yourself and others on the road.
