Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

You’re running errands around Houston, Sugar Land, or Missouri City, Texas, and suddenly you hear something: the sound of squeaking brakes. Why are your brakes squeaking?

There are many possible reasons, including rust, wear and tear, and rotor issues. You’ll need to get to the bottom of your squeaky brakes, so we’ve created this guide to help you diagnose and address the problem. Reach out to us at Russell & Smith Ford if you have any questions!

Worn-Down Brake Pads

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The most common reason for squeaking brakes is a built-in warning mechanism so you’ll know it’s time to replace your brake pads. When your vehicle’s brake pads wear down over time, the metal wear indicators on the pads are exposed. They touch the rotor when you brake and cause a high-pitched squeal.

This is normal—a built-in way to alert you that it’s time to change your vehicle’s brake pads. You can check the pads visually through the spokes in your wheels. If the brake pads are less than a quarter-inch thick, it’s time to replace them with a new set.

Keep in mind that the brake pads may wear down at different rates. The front brake pads will often wear out much faster than the rear ones. If you notice a major difference between the rate of wear for the front left and the front right, though, there could be an issue with the caliper on one side.

• Solution: Schedule a brake pad replacement service.

Warped Rotors & Glazed Brake Pads

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Over time, the constant friction of braking causes your vehicle’s brake pads to wear down. We all expect this. What you may not realize, however, is this same process can damage the rotors over time—and cause the brake pads to glaze over, too.

Most people don’t think of the rotors—those large, metallic discs that help bring your vehicle’s wheels to a stop—when they experience brake trouble. And it’s just as well, since rotors are far from the most common source of braking problems.

Still, the heat generated from the friction of braking can warp the rotors. It can also cause the surface of the brake pads to quite literally “melt” and then harden again when not in use. This glazed-over effect makes the pads less effective at stopping your vehicle.

• Solution: Schedule a brake pad replacement service and/or have the rotors refinished or replaced.

Just a Little “Morning Squeak”

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Do you notice that your vehicle’s brakes only squeak in the morning—or when it rains or is foggy? If that’s the case, it could be the moisture in the air that’s causing the squeak.

Overnight, or after a rainstorm, moisture in the air may condense on the rotors and cause a thin layer of rust to build up. The squeak you hear might just be the brake pads scraping away the rust. This is not a problem that requires service.

• Solution: After braking a few times, the rotors should be clear of rust and the squeak will stop. Keep your car in a garage overnight to avoid this problem in the first place.

Schedule Brake Service When You Need It

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