Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? Common Causes and How to Fix Them
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You never want to hear strange noises while you’re driving your car. If you’re hearing squeaking brakes, that’s not something you should ignore. It could be a sign there’s something wrong with the brake components. Always ask yourself, “Why are my brakes squeaking?”
Depending on the cause, you may need to schedule a brake service appointment to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Explore the most common causes of a squeaky brake noise and how to address them.
Why Brake Squeaks Matter
When you’re on the road, your brakes need to function properly. Problems with your brakes can make it more difficult or even impossible to stop your vehicle, contributing to crashes.
Your brakes squeaking is a sign that something may be wrong with them. Paying attention to these signs and addressing brake issues before they become dangerous is important. The sooner you notice the squeaking brakes and ensure they work properly, the safer you and your passengers will be.
Common Causes of Brake Squeaking
There are several reasons why your brakes might be squeaking, some of which are more serious than others. If you’re hearing squeaking or squealing noises while braking in your vehicle, it may be due to one of these causes:
Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads generally have a built-in “wear indicator” that squeaks once they wear down and need to be replaced. The squeaking tells you that the brake pad material is wearing thin, so you know to replace them. Now, if you still hear the brakes squeaking after new pads are installed, it must be another issue.
Dust and Debris
If you haven’t driven your vehicle lately, dust may accumulate on the brakes. Road conditions can also lead to a layer of mud or debris building up. This dust, mud, or debris may be the cause of your brakes squeaking. Luckily, this is a pretty quick and easy fix.
You can clean the surface of your brake rotor or pad with a spray cleaner or lightly sand down the surface to remove debris. You may not even have to do that much, though. Depending on the amount of dust and debris, applying the brakes a few times during regular driving may eliminate debris thanks to the friction between the brake pads.
Lack of Lubrication
Your brakes need lubrication to function properly. Without it, you may hear even new brakes squeaking. If brake calipers aren’t lubricated enough, they may stick, leading to squeaking and worsened braking ability. Ensure all of your brake system components are lubricated to avoid this issue.
Weather Conditions
When the air is humid or roads are wet from snow or rain, some moisture may accumulate on the brake rotors. The moisture can cause a thin layer of rust, leading to a grinding or squeaking noise when you apply the brakes.
Good news — if moisture from weather conditions is the cause of the squeaking, normal driving will typically resolve the problem. Parking your vehicle indoors can help prevent this issue, but it's generally nothing to be concerned about either way.
Also, if you’re driving in hot weather, aggressive braking may generate excessive heat and lead to squeaking.
When To Seek Professional Help for Your Squeaky Brakes
If you notice persistent squeaking or squeaking paired with other brake issues, you should bring your car into an auto repair shop. Brake problems can be dangerous, so it’s best to seek professional help whenever you’re not sure you can fix the issue on your own. For example, brake line repairs and rotor replacement are both fixes that are best left to professionals.
DIY Solutions for Minor Brake Issues
Sometimes, you don’t need to visit a mechanic or other vehicle repair professional. If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do a little DIY work, you may be able to fix your brake problem yourself. Try these at-home solutions:
- Check your brake fluid and top it off if necessary
- Clean dust or debris off your brake pads or rotors with a spray cleaner
- Replace your brake pads using your vehicle’s manual
- Check your brake rotors for warping, rust, or other damage
- Bleed the brake lines to get rid of any air if you notice a soft brake pedal
Don’t attempt any brake repairs that are outside of your comfort zone. When in doubt, consult a professional.
Preventative Maintenance Practices
Taking care of your vehicle and your brakes specifically will go a long way toward preventing brake problems. Bring your car in for regular brake inspections to catch any issues early on. Visually inspect your brake pads and rotors occasionally and replace your brake fluid according to the schedule in your vehicle's owner’s manual.
The Importance of Reliable Car Insurance
Even if you take great care of your brakes and the rest of your vehicle, you’ll still need repairs occasionally. Reliable, affordable car insurance helps make those costs more manageable. But how do you find a great car insurance policy? By comparing your options.
Get your free custom car insurance comparison from EverQuote today.