What Causes the Squeaking Sound When Lightly Pressing the Brake?
4 Answers
If there is a slight squeaking sound at the pedal position when lightly pressing the brake while the vehicle is stationary, it is mostly the squeaking sound from the return spring of the brake light switch on the brake pedal. If there is a noticeable squeaking sound when pressing the brake while the vehicle is moving at low speed, it is likely the sound coming from the brake disc position. Many new cars or those that have just had their brake pads replaced may experience such abnormal braking noises during driving. Additional Information: 1. Braking System: Modern braking systems mainly consist of drum brakes and disc brakes. Drum brakes are now mostly used in commercial vehicles, while disc brakes are commonly used in ordinary small cars. The braking system is directly related to the driving safety of the vehicle and is a high-wear component, so regular maintenance checks and part replacements are necessary. 2. Replacement Cycle: Typically, brake pads should be replaced every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers, while brake discs should be replaced every 100,000 to 120,000 kilometers.
When hearing a slight squeaking sound while lightly pressing the brakes, I'm quite familiar with this issue as it commonly occurs with prolonged vehicle use. The most frequent causes are dust or small stones stuck on the brake pads, creating friction noise during light braking, or surface rust/contamination on the brake discs – especially noticeable in humid weather. Newly replaced brake pads may require a break-in period of several hundred kilometers, during which temporary noise is normal and not a major concern. However, if the sound persists or becomes sharper, it could indicate severely worn brake pads or deeply embedded foreign objects. Ignoring this may extend braking distances and increase accident risks. I recommend regular brake system inspections, checking pad thickness every six months. If uncertain, visit an auto repair shop for professional tool diagnostics; repairs are inexpensive but life-saving. Safe driving is paramount – don't let minor issues escalate into major hazards.
Not long ago, my car made a slight squeaking sound when I lightly pressed the brakes. At first, I thought it was due to accumulated water on rainy days, but later I went to a repair shop to figure it out. The technician explained that impurities, such as dirt or small metal shavings, had gotten between the brake pads and brake discs. He said that if the brake pads were newly replaced, such sounds are common during the break-in period, but if they are old, uneven wear can cause abnormal noises. Another possible reason is insufficient lubrication of the brake calipers, leading to uneven friction. It sounds annoying, but timely handling is crucial to avoid brake failure. I now regularly wash the wheels to remove dust buildup. Prevention is key—it saves both peace of mind and money, making driving more reassuring.
A slight squeaking sound when lightly applying the brakes during driving is quite common, especially in older vehicles or right after maintenance. The cause could be dust particles adhering to the brake pad surface or rust forming on the brake discs due to rainwater. The noise tends to occur when friction increases during light braking; if the sound becomes louder and is accompanied by vibrations, the brake discs might be warped and require replacement. From a safety perspective, minor issues can conceal significant risks: they may affect braking response time, leading to accidents such as rear-end collisions. I advocate for developing regular maintenance habits, such as inspecting brake components every certain mileage. A simple practice is keeping the wheel rims clean to minimize the entry of foreign objects. Addressing problems early ensures that travel safety is prioritized above all else.
