Why Does a Car Make Noise When Braking?
4 Answers
Car brakes may produce noise due to uneven wear during normal use or the presence of foreign objects between the brake disc and brake pads. In such cases, it is necessary to promptly inspect the vehicle to ensure driving safety. The materials used for brake pads include: 1. Asbestos, cellulose, sintered glass; 2. Carbon fiber friction materials; 3. Powder metallurgy friction materials; 4. Semi-metallic friction materials. The function of brakes is to reduce speed or bring the vehicle to a stop. Their working principle involves converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy through friction between the brake pads and brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
Having driven for decades, I've encountered brake noise issues quite a few times. The most common scenario is rust on brake discs after rain causing friction noise, especially frequent in humid regions. Another reason is severely worn brake pads where the metal backing directly grinds against the rotor, producing sharp squeals. Newly replaced brake pads sometimes require a break-in period - the noise usually disappears after several days of driving. Don't overlook checking brake calipers or foreign objects trapped in the gaps, as even small stones lodged in the system can cause loud noises. Overall, ignoring these signals may lead to reduced braking efficiency and serious safety risks. During routine maintenance, I always have technicians inspect brake components - addressing minor issues early prevents bigger troubles. After one proper replacement, I've hardly experienced abnormal brake noises since.
My car is only two years old, but recently it started making a sharp screeching noise when braking, which was really annoying. I checked the brake pads myself in the garage and found they were quite worn, with the edges even shiny; there was also some dust and sand particles stuck around. After watching some online videos to learn cleaning methods, I used compressed air to blow them clean, and the noise disappeared. If left unattended for a long time, it could damage the brake discs and cost more to repair. This kind of noise is usually caused by impurities or roughness on the friction surface, so regular cleaning is a good habit to prevent worsening. Next time I encounter a similar situation, I'll deal with it immediately instead of procrastinating. Learning maintenance knowledge after buying a car is quite practical and can save a lot on repair costs.
I've encountered various cases of brake noise while helping friends with car repairs. Most of the time, it's caused by uneven or scratched brake disc surfaces, resulting in abnormal sounds; brake pads that are too hard in material can also squeak, especially more noticeable in cold weather. Loose calipers not retracting properly may cause uneven friction and produce noise. Occasionally, insufficient brake fluid affecting the hydraulic system is encountered, but it's relatively rare. These issues require checking and replacing worn components or resurfacing to resolve. Ignoring them could lead to minor annoyances from noise at best, or at worst, extended braking distances and dangerous accidents. During routine maintenance, it's crucial to focus on inspecting these components, as prevention is better than repair.
