Why Are My Car Brakes Squeaking?

Squeaky brakes aren’t only annoying, but they can also be a sign indicating that something’s wrong with your braking system. This means that they may impact your vehicle’s ability to stop, making it unsafe to drive. Therefore, it’s important to know the possible reasons behind the squeaking or squealing sound coming from your brakes so that you can take the necessary precautions to prevent any unpleasant surprises. Check out this helpful guide to learn more about squeaky brakes.

What Are the Possible Causes of Squeaky Brakes?

Toyota Prius 2016 by Kārlis Dambrāns is licensed with CC BY 2.0

If you hear a high-pitched squeaking sound when you step on the brake pedal, it can be for many reasons, from worn brake pads to lack of lubrication. Some issues are easy to detect and fix, while others require the attention of a professional mechanic. Let’s take a look at a few possible culprits behind squeaky brakes:

Worn Brake Pads

The most common cause of squeaky brakes is worn brake pads. Your brake pads have metal indicators that make a shrill sound when their thickness has worn down to a minimum. If you drive an older vehicle, you can tell if your brake pads are beginning to wear out by listening for squeaks during braking.

The screeching sound means that it’s about time to replace your brake pads. If you choose to ignore the problem and the constant squealing turns into grinding, then you’ll probably have to get new brake rotors as well. This can more than double the cost of your brake repair.

Contaminated Brake Pads or Rotors

Dust, mud, or dirt particles on your brake pads and rotors can also cause your brakes to squeak. This may occur as you drive your car in varying conditions or if it collects dust after staying idle for a prolonged period of time. In most cases, you can fix the problem by spraying some cleaning solution on the pads or rotors or sanding the surface down. The issue can also disappear after you use your brakes a few times because the friction between the rotors and pads may remove the debris.

Rusted Brake Rotors

Leaving your car outside in rainy, snowy, or humid weather can also be a reason why your brakes are making a grating noise. A thin layer of rust can form on your rotors when your brakes are wet, causing them to squeak or grind when you press the brake pedal. On a positive note, it’s usually possible to remove this layer of rust by driving normally. Parking your car indoors also prevents moisture from reaching your brakes. Alternatively, you can take your car to a mechanic to have the rust filed away.

Inadequate Lubrication

Another possible cause of squeaky brakes is insufficient lubrication at the points where the brake drum and shoes meet. A lack of lubrication may cause the shoes to start rubbing on the backing plate, producing a squealing noise. Usually, you can identify the origin of the problem by checking for traces of scraping in areas with exposed metal. Simply applying some brake grease to the contact points between the drum and shoes may be enough to prevent your brakes from squeaking.

Metallic Brake Pads

Today, brake pads are made of ceramic and metal. These materials are better at slowing down heavier vehicles than those that were previously used, but they can lead to noisier brakes. In some cases, brakes may squeal as a result of the material their pads are made of. However, it’s nothing to worry about, as the noise will go away after the pads wear past the first layer.

If you find the squeaking sound too irritating, you may want to choose brake pads that contain less metal. Organic pads are the most affordable, but they’re typically less effective and durable and tend to create more dust.

How To Stop Your Brakes From Squeaking

Whether or not they pose a safety threat, squeaky brakes are never a good thing. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to fix them. Below are a few things you can do to stop your brakes from squealing:

Lubricate Your Brakes

Using a brake lubricant is an effective solution for squeaking brakes. There are many different types of lubricants for you to choose from, such as sprays, cans, and tubes. Drivers who have dust, sand, or rust in their brakes will find brake lube especially helpful.

Try Anti-Squeal Adhesives

Anti-squeal adhesives work differently from lubricants in that they use damper pads. They coat the area where the brake pad is attached with a sticky fluid or film, which absorbs the vibrations that create the brake noise.

Install New Shims

Shims are parts found between the brake pads and rotors that prevent friction. Every car has shims to ensure that the pads and rotors stay aligned. If the shims are functioning as expected, you’ll hardly hear any noise from the brakes. However, worn shims can lead to a squealing or grinding sound, so they need to be replaced.

Repair or Replace Your Brake Pads or Rotors

Regardless of your driving habits or the make and model of your vehicle, your brake pads and rotors will wear out over time. When they do, they may cause your brakes to produce a squeaking sound and jeopardize your safety on the road. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your brake pads at your local service center once every 10,000 to 20,000 miles and your rotors every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.

If you own a Toyota in Fairfield or Cincinnati, Ohio, and notice your brakes making a squeaking or squealing sound, consider stopping by Performance Toyota for a professional brake inspection. Our Fairfield dealership boasts a state-of-the-art Toyota-certified service center that provides any service you need to keep your vehicle’s brakes in tiptop condition, including brake inspections, brake fluid top-ups, brake pad and rotor replacements, and brake caliper repair. No matter which Toyota model you own, you can count on our factory-trained brake specialists to give it the best care and attention. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.