Why Does the Car Make Squeaking Noises When Driving in the Rain?

[VanSara]

This is caused by the contact surface between the belt and the pulley becoming too smooth. It usually occurs when the engine speed changes rapidly, and sometimes increased load on the belt-driven accessories can also cause belt damage. Here are the relevant details: 1. Solution: Check if the belt-driven accessories have damaged bearings, are stuck, loose, or if the accessory power has increased. Replace the belt, or use 100-grit sandpaper to roughen the contact surface between the pulley and the belt. As a temporary fix, you can apply 1-2 drops of engine oil to the contact surface between the belt and the pulley. 2. Precautions for driving in the rain: Before driving in the rain, carefully check if the wipers are functioning effectively to ensure they work flawlessly when needed. During rain, the sky is often dark, and rainwater on the windshield can severely obstruct visibility. Turn on the wipers to promptly clear rainwater from the windshield, maintain good visibility, and turn on the headlights, fog lights, and taillights based on visibility conditions.

[DiHolden]

In my many years of driving, squeaking sounds on rainy days are quite common, usually caused by tires or brakes. When the road is wet and slippery, and the tire grip is poor, the friction against the road surface can easily produce squeaking noises, especially when the tire tread is severely worn or the tire pressure is insufficient. Another issue could be with the braking system—water seeping into the gap between the brake pads and discs can cause noise during friction, somewhat like a subtle metal-on-metal sound. For safety, I slow down and avoid sudden braking in rainy conditions, while also regularly checking tire conditions to ensure the tread depth meets standards. If the noise persists, it's best to visit a professional auto shop to have the brake components inspected for cleaning or replacement. Rain gear like windshield wipers might occasionally squeak too, but the impact is minimal.

[StGenevieve]

I often encounter this situation when repairing cars. The squeaking sound mostly comes from the brake system being wet. Rainwater adheres to the brake discs, amplifying the friction noise, making it sound sharp and piercing, especially noticeable when braking. Alternatively, water stains on the tire treads can cause slipping sounds, which are more pronounced during acceleration or turning. The inspection steps are simple: first, try braking a few times to dry them out. If the noise persists, check if the tires are worn or have indentations. As a preventive measure, I recommend regularly cleaning brake components and maintaining tire pressure at the recommended level to ensure safety in rainy conditions. If the vehicle has been modified, improper fitting of parts might also amplify the noise in the rain, requiring further troubleshooting.

[DiNathan]

As a new driver, the squeaking sounds on rainy days always make me curious. It might be the loud friction noise from the wipers scraping rainwater or the tires slipping and rubbing on wet roads. Sometimes, opening the window makes it clearer, but the sound lessens when slowing down. I've tried maintaining a safe distance, and the noise becomes less noticeable, which shows it's related to driving habits. However, if the sound is unusual, I worry whether the suspension or chassis has water damage, so I'll inspect it carefully next time in the garage. Driving in the rain is already stressful, but these little noises remind me to be more cautious, ensuring all lights are on to prevent accidents.