Why Does the Brake Squeak?
3 Answers
Reasons for brake squeaking: 1. Excessive wear of car brake pads: When the thickness of car brake pads wears below 6mm, they should be replaced promptly. Otherwise, the car may produce squeaking sounds during braking, which can even affect the braking performance and increase safety hazards during use; 2. Foreign objects on the brake pads: If there are foreign objects embedded in the car brake pads, they can also cause abnormal noises due to friction. In this case, simply cleaning the brake pads is sufficient; 3. Severe tire wear: If the car tires are severely worn, abnormal noises may also occur when turning or braking. In such cases, the tires should be replaced promptly. When the surface of the car tires wears down to the position of the triangular indicator, they should be replaced. Additionally, the front and rear tires should be rotated every approximately 40,000 kilometers to balance tire wear.
I often encounter squeaky brakes while driving. I remember one time right after it rained, the sound was particularly sharp when braking. At first, I thought it was due to rainwater and mud, but later during a check-up, I found out that the brake pads were worn flat, with metal edges exposed, causing friction against the brake disc and resulting in the noise. If not addressed promptly, braking efficiency will decrease, and it will also consume more fuel. I recommend first observing whether the noise persists. If it only occurs at low speeds, it might be fine, but if it continues at high speeds, you should immediately go to a repair shop to replace the pads or check the brake system. Safe driving is more important than anything. Regularly cleaning the brake area during car washes to reduce dust buildup can prevent many minor issues, and maintenance isn't too expensive.
A squeaky brake might be caused by small sand particles or metal shavings stuck on the brake pads, or rust and uneven surfaces on the brake discs. I've seen many similar cases where prolonged neglect leads to faster wear and longer braking distances, which is dangerous. It's best not to delay when encountering this issue. First, check if the brake fluid level is normal, as temperature changes can also affect the persistence of the noise—for example, the sound is more noticeable in cold winters and more likely to occur in humid summers. Get a professional inspection at a reliable repair shop as soon as possible. Simple polishing or part replacement can solve the problem. Don't risk major issues to save a small amount of money.
