Garage Sevices
Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? How to Fix Squeaky and Squealing Brakes
Squeaky brakes are annoying but should always be investigated as they may be a symptom of a more serious problem. There are many reasons why your brakes may squeal and these include:
1. Brake pads need replacing.
When your brakes are wearing out, they will thin and find it harder to grip the brake disc, sometimes making a squeaky sound as they attempt to gain friction. If your brake wear indicator light is also illuminated, then this is very likely to be the cause of your squeaky brakes, and you should book your vehicle in at your nearest Protyre garage at your earliest convenience to have new brake pads fitted.
2. Rust on the brakes.
Particularly in winter when your car is regularly exposed to cold, wet weather, its brake discs may acquire a thin layer of rust that will rub on the pads and make a squeaky or grinding noise when you depress the brake pedal. While it is unlikely to cause an immediate safety issue, it should be investigated to ensure that it isn't shortening the brakes' lifetime as regularly replacing the brake pads is a costly exercise.
3. The brakes are new.
New brake pads need to bed in as they have a transfer layer applied which needs to be burned off by regular use. If you have only recently had brake pads fitted to your car and are hearing a squeaky noise, this is the most likely cause. If however, the squeaking continues for more than a few weeks, you should return to the garage that fitted them to ask for a professional inspection.
4. Carrying a heavy load.
When your vehicle is more heavily loaded than usual, it takes more effort to stop, particularly at speed, and your brakes may protest against the increased workload by squealing. As long as the squealing ceases when the vehicle returns to its usual load, there should be no long-term cause for concern. If, however, the squealing continues, then you should seek professional advice.
5. Brakes are dirty.
If your brakes begin squeaking after driving on country lanes, roads under repair or in other circumstances where you have encountered debris on the road, it is possible that dirt has become embedded in your brakes, causing them to squeak when applied. This can be quickly resolved by cleaning the contact points with an appropriate product.
Preventing and fixing squeaky brakes.
Usually, squeaking brakes will resolve by themselves without intervention but occasionally, they will require attention and servicing by a qualified expert. There are ways in which you can prevent your car from developing squeaky brakes.
Avoid high speed, sudden braking as this puts your brakes under extreme pressure and will increase the wear and tear on them, making them more likely to wear and start to squeak. By being aware of your surroundings, keeping a good distance from the car in front and always trying to apply your brakes steadily, you will increase the longevity of your brake components and reduce the likelihood of brake squeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when you bring your vehicle to Protyre for a service or MOT, your brakes will be inspected to ensure that they are in a safe and roadworthy condition. We will also check that your tyres (https://www.protyre.co.uk/tyres) are correctly inflated, with adequate tread depth and that they are free from defects as tyres and brakes work together to stop your car in an emergency situation so both must be in good, safe condition.
First, you must determine why your brakes squeak. If they are newly fitted, this will resolve without intervention in a short period of normal driving. If, however the brakes have been fitted for a while, they may be dirty, corroded or worn, in which case you should seek advice from a mechanic who may recommend brake pad and / or disc replacement to resolve your squeaky brakes issue.
Free car brake checks are available at your local Protyre garage at a time to suit you. Book online today to have your brakes inspected by our qualified fitters, and you will benefit from the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands. When you book a free brake check with Protyre, you will receive expert advice designed to keep you, your passengers and other road users safe.
