Squeaks Mean Time for Brake Service in Athens County, OH

Squeaking noises are the first sign you need brake service in Athens County, OH. The issue could be minor, but it is also possible that you need to replace pads and rotors. No matter the cause, it needs to be addressed as soon as possible so you are not a hazard on the road. Here are the types of brake squeaks and their possible causes:

• The morning squeak: Rain, dew, snow, ice and condensation often produce the morning squeak. This is common with cars that are not garaged overnight, and the constant exposure to weather elements builds up a layer of rust. As the rotors activate, the rust gets caught on the brake pads and produces the squeak. The way to prevent this is to garage your vehicle, but if that is not an option, pay attention to how your brakes perform. They will likely wear out more frequently because of these conditions.
• The wear indicator squeak: Your brake pads are designed to squeak when they wear down to a certain level. This is due to wear indicators. These are metal tabs of hardened steel that are made to make noise when the brake pads wear down to their level. This alerts you to the fact that you are close to wearing on the rotors, which can result in a more expensive repair. If it has been a while since you had brake work done and you are hearing this squeak during dryer weather, it is time to call us for a brake service appointment.
• The cheap brake pad squeak: Lower quality brake pads have a high metal content. With chunks of metal in the pad material, it will sound like your rotors are being ground down when it is actually the high-pitched sound of cheap brake pads. If you had brake pads replaced recently and hear these squeaks, you can either endure the sound for 30,000 to 40,000 miles until your next brake replacement, or have them replaced at a shop that does not use low-quality materials. Do not compromise to save $20. Ask about brake pads that contain more resin, rubber, fiber or Kevlar than metal.
• The poorly lubricated drum brake squeak: Most vehicles have disc brakes, which contain a pad and rotor. They work by pressing against the rotor to stop the car. However, there are cars with drum brakes on the back wheels. With these, a curved “shoe” stops the car by pressing against a hollow drum. Older vehicles may have drum brakes on all wheels. When these types of brakes are not lubricated, they will make a high-pitched sound. Your car mechanic will lubricate the contact points to reduce the sound and prevent brake seizure.
• The debris-in-rotor squeak: While this does not happen frequently, it is also possible to get rocks and other debris stuck in your rotors. This can scrape them up and make them noisier. Also, the mere presence of the debris will heighten the sounds. Having it removed will reduce wear and eliminate the squeak.

For brake service in Athens County, OH, call Dana’s Tire Center and schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Categorised in: Brake Service

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