Why are My Brakes Squeaking?
To help answer this question, the team at Sheridan Nissan has created this helpful guide on brakes. Read on to learn more and then schedule a service appointment!
Why are My Brakes Squeaking?
There are several reasons why your car’s brakes would squeak. One of the most common causes of brake squeak is worn-out brake pads. The squeaking sound is produced by a piece of metal, known as a built-in wear indicator, that grinds against the metal rotor.
Each time you press on the brake pedal, several unseen actions occur to bring your vehicle to a stop. One of these actions is the calipers squeezing the brake pads against the rotor. This creates the friction necessary to bring your vehicle to a stop.
However, over time, this friction wears down the brake pads and, when that occurs, they must be replaced to ensure you can safely stop your vehicle.
Since you can’t inspect brake pads like you can inspect other parts of your vehicle to determine the amount of wear, brake pads come equipped with wear indicators that, when the brake pad thickness is approaching a potentially dangerous threshold, the wear indicator creates the infamous squeaking sound and is a surefire way to know that a brake pad replacement is needed.
Other Reasons Your Car’s Brakes Are Squeaking
While worn-down brake pads are the most common cause of brake squeak, there are some other causes. These potential sources include:
- Moisture on the brakes: Dew can accumulate on your vehicle’s brakes overnight. The low-pitched squeaking sound you hear the first few times you press on the brake pedal could be the sound of this moisture being scraped from the parts.
- Improperly lubricated parts: Brake calipers need lubrication to ensure the various parts of the braking system don’t grind against one another. A loud scraping sound could indicate more lubrication is needed.
- Overloaded vehicle: Vehicles carrying a capacity beyond their ability could cause the brake system to overheat. This, as a result, can make a loud squeaking sound due to potential damage.
Since there are many different reasons why your car’s brakes would squeak, it’s recommended to have a technician inspect these brakes immediately. That way, they can quickly identify the cause and make any necessary adjustments.
We Can Help Resolve Brake Squeak
If you notice the brakes of your car squeak, head to the service center at our dealership. Our certified technicians have the training and expertise needed to inspect, diagnose, and repair your car’s brakes in the blink of an eye.
One important note is that we strive for excellence. That’s why we use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts when resolving brake squeak issues. These parts are made from the same high-quality materials used when your vehicle was first built.
As a result, you can feel confident that the OEM brake components will both fit your model perfectly and are more likely to last longer than aftermarket parts.
Schedule Brake Service Today
The source of squeaking brakes could stem from one of several issues. That’s why it’s important to have a technician look right away. This way, you reduce the possibility of creating potential driving hazards as you move around New Castle, Wilmington, and Newark, Delaware.
Contact us directly, or fill out our online request form to schedule brake service with us at Sheridan Nissan today!