
Car brakes making abnormal noises can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. The car is new or has just had new brake pads installed, which is a normal phenomenon. 2. Rust on brake discs or pads: After parking for a long time, especially in humid weather or after rain, some rust or dirt may appear on the brake discs or pads. In this case, you can apply butter or special lubricating oil at the connection between the brake pads and the brake calipers. 3. Excessive wear of brake discs and pads: Both brake discs and pads are high-wear items. Every time you brake, these two components rub against each other, leading to natural wear over time. When the wear becomes excessive, abnormal noises may occur, so regular inspection and replacement are necessary.

I also experienced squeaky brakes last time, and the noise was really piercing. Actually, if the brake pad material is too hard, this can happen—especially on rainy days or after washing the car when the brake disc surface rusts. Newly replaced brake pads may also squeak for the first few hundred kilometers if they haven’t fully bedded in. But the real concern is when the brake pads wear thin, and the small metal wear indicator scrapes against the brake disc, producing a high-pitched screech—that’s when you must replace them immediately. Once, I took them apart and found a small stone stuck in the brake pad gap; cleaning it out solved the issue. I recommend taking some time to visit a repair shop and have them lift the car for inspection. After all, brakes are critical for safety—don’t delay.

Never ignore abnormal brake noises! As someone who prioritizes safety, my first consideration when encountering this situation is whether the brake pads are nearly worn out. That sharp metal grinding sound is the wear indicator alerting you to replace them. Additionally, seized caliper guide pins can prevent the brake pads from fully retracting, causing continuous friction and noise. The most dangerous case I've seen is brake disc warping leading to localized overheating, where the noise accompanies brake vibration. Especially during rainy seasons on wet roads, brake pads absorbing moisture are more prone to squealing. Remember, any persistent abnormal noise warrants immediate inspection - never compromise on safety issues.

When washing your car yourself, rinse the brake discs more often to reduce noise caused by dust buildup. Regularly check the thickness of the brake pads; they should be replaced when they are below about 3mm. If you hear a rustling sound, it may be a small stone stuck in the brake system. Some high-temperature brake pad materials are harder, so there might be a brief squeaking sound when starting the car cold. In winter, the brake discs may rust after snow and ice melt, causing a few noises. If you're doing it yourself, you can remove the wheels to clean brake dust, but don't tamper with the caliper screws. If you really can't handle it, seek professional help. I usually have a technician inspect the brake components every 20,000 kilometers.

The braking system operates like a team of collaborators: brake disc, brake pads, caliper, wheel cylinder, and dust cover. Abnormal noises often stem from their misalignment. For instance, a loose backing plate on the brake pads can cause a rattling sound; a deformed dust cover rubbing against rotating parts produces periodic scraping noises; and a sticky wheel cylinder piston results in a continuous humming. Having disassembled numerous vehicles, I've observed that stepped wear on the edges of brake pads creates the most piercing noise. Missing or improperly installed brake pad shims are also common culprits. These issues require professional diagnostic equipment for precise identification—recommend having a mechanic use a stethoscope to pinpoint the noise source.

As a seasoned driver living in a rainy city, brake noises are nine times out of ten related to the weather. During the plum rain season, the high humidity in the air means moisture on the brake pads doesn't evaporate when starting a cold car, so the first few brakes are bound to squeak. Driving by the sea is even more troublesome, as the salt in the sea breeze accelerates corrosion and rust in the brake system. Last year after a heavy snow in the bitter cold, ice chunks formed under my car's chassis, causing a strange metal-scraping sound with every brake. After mountain driving, sand particles embedding in the brake pads are also a common source of noise. Temporary noises caused by environmental factors aren't a cause for concern, but if the steering wheel shakes or braking distance increases when pressing the brake, an immediate check is necessary.


