Why Your Car Brakes are Noisy?

Brake noise is a common issue with cars. To truly understand and get to the bottom of brake noise, you have to separate the noise into two categories. The first one is squeaking, while the other is grinding. Identifying between these noises may take a while, but after some time, it can become much clear to you. There are many reasons why these noises can emerge when you apply the brakes on your car. Lets start with the first classification of the common brake noise that is squeaking.

Squeaking

This noise resembles a high frequency whistle and will often start a few seconds after you apply the brakes. The most common reason for the sound of this nature involves the brake pads wearing out. A brake pad has a metal plate, and attached to it, you will find composite material, which is responsible for contacting your rotor and stopping your car. This composite material gradually wears out over time because of year’s load of stress and heat from friction.

Most brake pads also compose of indicator clips, which will start to squeak before your brake pad runs out fully. Another common reason why your car may be squeaking involves brake glazing. This happens when your brake overheats due to high temperature.

This can happen if you press upon the breaks while driving down a steep hill. Another instance how this can occur is if you drive the car without pulling down your emergency brake. Essentially, if your brake pads press against the rotors while you are pushing your wheels into motion, then you can expect noises.

Grinding or Scraping Noise

Usually, if you are unfortunate to come about this noise, it usually means that your brake pad has totally run out the composite material. Once the padding finishes, the metal backing of the rotor starts to rub on the rotors and scrape against each other. This noise does not have the same frequency and is often disturbing to the ears of the driver.

This noise will occur in a flash as you apply the brakes. By the time, your car’s brake pads start making this noise, it is most probably very late for replacement. Moreover, if you hear this noise, the possibility of rotor damage is also very high.

When you will look into the rotors, you will notice groves on the rotors in your rotor. Another reason why you may hear this noise coming from the car when you apply the brakes is again, overheating. When your brakes get too hot, the material of your brake pad brakes down, and in some extreme case, heat can result in an uneven sponge like surface.

Noise, at the instance of breaking can be detrimental, not only to the car, but also to your well-being. This is why you should never ignore even the slightest of squeaks, squeals or scrapes from the wheels.