What Causes the Squealing Sound When a Car Brakes?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car's brakes may produce abnormal noises: 1. Excessive wear on the brake disc and brake pads. 2. Improper installation of the brake pads. 3. Presence of foreign objects on the brake pads or brake disc. 4. Poor retraction of the caliper, leading to prolonged friction between the disc and pads. Below is an introduction to related content: Braking, also known as deceleration, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, other transport tools, or machinery. Methods for brake maintenance include: 1. Regularly checking the thickness of the brake pads, their wear condition, and whether they retract smoothly. 2. Replacing them promptly when wear reaches the limit to avoid reduced braking effectiveness and compromised driving safety. 3. Using original manufacturer-provided brake pads for replacement. 4. Employing specialized tools to retract the brake caliper during replacement. 5. Pressing the brake pedal several times after replacement to eliminate the gap between the pads and the brake disc.
My car makes a screeching sound when braking, which feels quite alarming. After some research, I found out that the common cause is worn-out brake pads, where the metal directly grinds against the brake rotor, creating that sharp noise. The braking system is used daily, and it's normal for the pads to thin out due to heat and friction—just like my old car started doing this after three or four years. It's important to check the brake pad thickness promptly; if it's below 2-3 mm, they need replacement. Additionally, sometimes dust or small stones get stuck between the pad and rotor, which can also cause noise. I once cleaned it myself, but you have to be careful not to scratch the rotor surface, as that could be even more dangerous. In short, don’t ignore this sound—it could be a safety warning. I recommend getting it diagnosed by a professional shop as soon as possible to avoid longer braking distances and potential accidents.