Why Do My Brakes Squeal?

Brakes play a crucial role in keeping our vehicles safe, so it’s never pleasant to hear a squeal or grind when pressing the brake pedal.
 
Let’s explore three reasons you might be hearing a noise from your brakes:

 

Brake Pad Wear: The most common cause of brake noise is wear on the brake pads. Many vehicle brakes have metal tabs attached to the pads, and when they get too thin, they contact the rotor face, producing a high-pitched squeal.

Metal-on-Metal Contact: If you hear a grinding noise when coming to a stop, it could mean one or more of your brake pads are worn down to metal. When the friction material is gone, the metal backing contacts the metal rotor face. If you experience grinding noises, it’s not advisable to continue using your vehicle.


Moisture and Overheating:
Brake squeaks can result from moisture causing surface rust or parts overheating. This is often noticeable in the first few brake applications of the day. Overheated rotors or pads can become harder than designed, creating a squeak. In very moist or humid conditions, rust may develop on the rotor face, causing a swishing or squealing noise.

We inspect your brakes during every service visit as part of our Digital Vehicle Inspection. Let the mechanics at Tim’s check your brakes and help you cruise safe!

 

Let the mechanics at Tim’s check your brakes and help you cruising safe!

Make a reservation today! 

 

You may also be interested in: How do I know if my brakes are bad?

 

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