What Causes the Unusual Noise When Braking on Snow?
2 Answers
When a car makes unusual noises while braking on snow, it is the sound produced during the normal operation of the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) installed in the vehicle. When the brake is applied, the computer controls the speed of all four wheels to maintain balance, resulting in the unusual noise. When braking on snow, due to the low traction, the wheels are highly prone to locking. Nowadays, the vast majority of cars are equipped with an ABS. The ABS sends commands to the brakes electronically or hydraulically, causing the brake calipers to open and close continuously (hundreds of times per second) to prevent the wheels from locking. The jumping of the brake pedal and the unusual noise from the car are both sounds produced by the normal operation of the ABS. The Anti-lock Braking System, abbreviated as ABS, primarily functions to automatically control the braking force during car braking, ensuring the wheels do not lock and remain in a state of rolling and sliding (with a slip ratio around 20%). This ensures maximum traction between the wheels and the ground.
Having driven for over a decade, I know that strange noises during winter braking are usually caused by ice. Snow accumulates around the brake discs, and once it freezes, it produces sharp squeaking or grinding sounds when braking. Another possibility is that the brake pads are made of a harder material, which becomes particularly brittle in cold temperatures, resulting in loud cracking noises when rubbing against the brake discs. I make it a habit to leave early and lightly apply the brakes a few times on empty roads to melt the ice—usually, the noise disappears after driving two or three kilometers. If the noise persists, it’s likely that the brake pads are worn thin or a small stone is lodged in them, and it’s best to visit a repair shop immediately to avoid deeper scratches on the brake discs, which would cost more to fix. As a side note, try not to park with your wheels submerged in melted snow, as this can cause the brakes to freeze more solidly overnight.
