Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

Why are my brakes squeaking? Squealing or squeaking brakes are not only annoying, but they could also indicate that there's a problem with your brakes. Squeaking brakes can be caused by everything from rust coming off your brake rotors to worn brake pads, so it's important to determine the cause to see if it warrants immediate attention.

In this article, drivers in Turnersville, Cherry Hill or Mount Laurel can learn more about squealing or squeaking brakes, including causes and when to have brake service performed.

Rusty Rotors

When you leave your car overnight, moisture from dew or rain can collect on the surface of your brake rotors. This causes a thin layer of rust to build up on the surface, so when the rotor turns, the brake pads scrape the rust off and it catches on the edge of the brake pad. The rust becomes embedded, which makes a squeaking sound.

The only way to truly prevent this problem is by storing your vehicle in a garage or other climate-controlled environment, but it's not a serious concern if there aren't any other issues with your brakes.The squealing sound should subside after a few miles of driving if overnight rust is the cause.

Worn Brake Pads

Your brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that's designed to alert you when your brake pads are worn or thin. This causes a squeaking or squealing sound, which lets you know that your brake pads need to be replaced soon.

The wear indicator strips are made of steel and can be welded or riveted onto your brake pads. The tabs are designed to make contact with the rotor as the brake pad becomes extremely low, so you can avoid the metal-to-metal contact of the pad and the rotor. If you ignore this warning, you can damage your rotor and your brakes may not work properly.

Cheap Brake Pads

Brake pads are supposed to contain metal, but cheaper brake pads have more metal than necessary embedded in the pad material. When these pieces hit the rotor, it causes a high-pitched squealing or squeaking sound.

Your brake pads are designed to last for up to 40,000 miles, which means that this squeaking will continue throughout that time. If that's not enough of a reason to spring for quality brake pads, keep in mind that your brake pads help your vehicle stop, so this isn't an area of car maintenance that allows for bargain shopping.

Squeaking Drum Brakes

If your rear brakes squeak when you press the pedal, it's a definite sign that your drum brakes need lubrication. There are contact points on your drum brakes that can become rusted if you neglect them, which causes a squeaking sound when the wheels turn. This is a simple fix, however, since all they need is a little lubrication to get back to normal.

Most modern cars have disc brakes on all four wheels, but some cars still use drum brakes on the rear wheels.

Schedule Your Service Appointment at Prestige Subaru

Now that you know the common cause of squeaking brakes, it should be easier for you to answer the question, "Why are my brakes squeaking?" and keep your brakes safe and functional.

If you're driving around Turnersville, Cherry Hill or Mount Laurel and find that your brakes are squeaking, call or visit Prestige Subaru. Our service technicians can help you determine the cause of your squealing or squeaking brakes and get them back to normal. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment!