What Do Squeaking Brakes Mean?

If you’ve been driving around Nelsonville, OH and noticed that your brakes are squeaking, you may wonder why that’s the case, and whether you need brake repair. Sometimes, squeaky brakes aren’t a sign of a huge problem, but other times it could mean you need brake pad replacement. Read on to find out what to do about squeaky brakes.

When squeaky brakes aren’t a concern

When pressure is applied to the brakes, the materials rubbing together can create a sound. The brakes are made up of metal brake discs that are compressed between brake pads. Squeaky brakes aren’t necessarily a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced or repaired. Here are some possible reasons why the brakes might be making these sounds:

• Heavy loads may put additional pressure on the brakes, which in turn squeak as heat builds and causes the parts to swell
• Debris, sand and dust can get in the brakes, leading to squeaking
• Cold weather is often to blame for squeaking brakes
• In the morning, it’s more likely the brakes will squeal due to moisture accumulating overnight
• Some forms of semi-metallic brake pads are more likely to squeal
• Snow, rain and high water can lead to a superficial layer of rust that will dissipate after using the brakes a few times
• Some new models of cars use brake pads that are safer but harder, and therefore more noisy
• The strain of driving downhill for a long time may result in squealing

When squeaky brakes are a concern

There are other instances where you should heed the warning sound of squeaking brakes. Brake pads have a built-in piece that alerts Nelsonville, OH drivers when it’s time for them to be changed. Once these pieces wear thin, a small piece of metal drags along the metal brake disc. This creates a high-pitched sound that means your brakes have reached the recommended wear limit. This means it’s time for brake pad replacement.

How to avoid squeaky brakes

If the brakes are at the end of their lifespan, there’s not much you can do. However, you can extend the useful life of still-functional brake pads by doing all of the following:

• Drive carefully: If possible, don’t haul heavy loads. You also want to avoid driving on steep inclines whenever possible. Keep a safe distance between your car and other cars to avoid stomping on the brakes.
• Brake lubricant: Think about this like putting grease on a squeaky door. Using lubricant or brake grease is a simple, inexpensive solution. These lubricants come in tube, can and spray forms. This is especially useful if the brake noise is coming from dust, rust or sand.
• Anti-squeal adhesive: These damper pads use a sticky fluid that’s applied where the brake pad attaches. This is intended to absorb the vibrations that lead to brake noise.

Do you need brake repair in Nelsonville, OH? Then come to the experts at Dana’s Tire Center. Having functional brakes is essential for safe driving. Brakes are one of our specialties, and we take pride in ensuring every vehicle leaves our garage working at its best. Give us a call today to set up your first appointment.

Categorised in: Brake Service

This post was written by Writer