If your brakes squeak first thing in the morning, you’re not alone. This is a common issue and while it can be frustrating it’s not always a sign of something serious. At Tim’s in New Orleans, we get this question from drivers all the time. Several factors can lead to squeaky brakes when you first start driving. Most are related to weather, moisture, and the materials used in your braking system. Here are some of the causes of morning brake squeaks and also when you should be concerned.
MOISTURE
In humid environments like New Orleans, moisture can settle on your brake rotors and pads overnight. When you start driving, the first contact between the pads and rotors can cause a high-pitched squeak. The heat your brakes create cause the moisture to burn off. This type of noise usually disappears after a few stops, so it’s typically nothing to worry about.
SURFACE RUST
Another problem in humid environments can be rust. This is typical for vehicles that sit longer than just over night. Moisture settling on steel brake components over time will cause a thin coat of rust to develop. When you first start driving the first contact between your brake pads and rotors can cause a squeak, or even a grind type noise. The friction of your brake pads on the rotors will wear off the thin coat of rust. This type of noise will usually stop after the first drive after the car has been sitting. This noise is typically not a problem but should be looked at if it does not go away after the first trip.
WORN OUT BRAKE PADS
As brakes wear the pads get thinner. Some brake pads will make a high pitched squeak noise when they are near discard thickness. Sometimes the beginning signs of worn out brake pads is a squeak for the first few brake applications. Brakes should not be used with pads less than three millimeters thick. If low brake pads are the cause of your squeak this should be taken care of!
If you are hearing any noises from your brakes it is a great idea to have a qualified professional check them. It is far better to have your vehicle checked and know the state of your brakes than to guess. At Tim’s we check brake wear, condition and pad thickness at every visit. We will track your wear over time so you can be confident in your vehicle’s stopping ability.
If you are in the New Orleans area and you are hearing any noises from your brakes, let us take a look.
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