Whilst squeaky brakes can be unsettling to hear, they’re not always a cause for concern. However, as with any foreign noise that comes from your car, it’s best not to ignore it. So, if you’re noticing a squeaking sound coming from your vehicle’s brakes, here are a few reasons they may be doing so.

1) Worn brake pads

The first reason your brakes may be squeaking is because they’re worn. If you hear a screeching or squealing sound coming from your vehicle whilst you’re braking, this could be a sign that your brake pads are worn down and need replacing. As you brake, your vehicle’s brake pads come into contact with the discs in your wheels, pressing them together as a form of friction and reducing your car’s speed. Over time, however, the friction can cause your brake pads to become worn and for them to start to deteriorate. As worn brake pads have a reduced surface area in comparison to new ones, this means contacting surfaces are smaller and therefore the friction isn’t as efficient. This causes your vehicle’s brakes to squeak as it tries to slow down.

2) Overnight moisture

It’s common knowledge that water and metal don’t mix. The water can penetrate into the metal through small cracks in the metal, causing it to rust. This leads to metal expansion, which causes your brakes to squeak when you apply them at a later date. The same thing can happen with brake dust. Brake dust is a fine layer of metallic particles that accumulate on the braking surface of your car’s discs over time, creating friction when you brake due to their abrasive nature.

3) Your braking style

If you brake harshly every time, it’s possible that your braking surfaces are becoming unevenly worn. As this happens, the pads will make contact with the discs in a more irregular fashion, increasing the likelihood of noise when you apply your brakes. That’s why you should avoid repeated hard and fast braking, especially at high speeds.

What should you do if your brakes are squeaking?

When it comes to your brakes, you don’t want to be taking any chances. If you hear your brakes squeaking, you shouldn’t panic, especially if the noise goes away by itself within a day or two. If the squeak stops after a few applications or days of driving, then it’s likely that the issue remains small or temporary. However, a minor issue can often turn into a major repair if left unattended, so if you’re concerned about the state of your brakes, get in touch with our experts today.