Nothing is more annoying than hearing your car squeal whenever you brake. Beyond this ear-piercing sound, it could be indicating that something is wrong with your brake system. Brakes are an integral part of your vehicle, but they can become a safety hazard without proper maintenance.
Brakes will sometimes make noise when they are not warm or if they are newly replaced brakes. They will also occasionally screech in wet and slippery road conditions. But the sounds should not linger much beyond those circumstances. If you notice consistent squealing or grinding, then that calls for attention.
What Are the Common Causes of Squealing Brakes?
Worn Pads
Worn-out brake pads are the number one major cause of squeaking brakes. The sound serves as a warning to replace the pads before they cause damage to the rotor.
Slamming the Brakes too Hard
You can never expect what you may encounter on the road. From time to time, we may need to slam on our brakes. Whenever this happens, it can give off a squealing noise. Hard braking can be helpful in unforeseen scenarios to prevent accidents and injuries, but doing it unnecessarily can cause premature wear on your brake pads.
Rusty Brake Rotor
Car rotors lose their smoothness over time, causing a squeal. Rust or debris is the leading cause of this problem. However, a reliable mechanic at George's Complete Auto Repair can file it off, halting the squeal.
Heavy Loads
Hauling heavy loads can put significant pressure on your vehicle, and it can also cause your brakes to squeal. The heavy load causes heat build-up on the brakes.
Loose Parts
Your brake system is more than just the pads themselves. There are multiple components, including the disc, rotors, and calipers. All of these may become loose, making your car squeal whenever you brake.
Some squeals can be fixed by cleaning, lubrication, tightening, or replacement. Unless you are an expert in making a diagnosis of your brakes, we advise that you seek professional help. If you require brake repair, call us or bring your car to George's Complete Auto Repair.