Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

Picture this: you’re doing your daily commutes around Danvers, Peabody, and Salem, MA, when suddenly, you notice a squeaking or grinding sound coming from your brakes when you press on them. You’re probably concerned and confused about what the problem could be.

Luckily, our team here at Ira Toyota of Danvers wants our drivers to feel safe and confident as they drive, which is why we’ve created this handy guide about why your brakes could be squeaking and what you can do to get them fixed. Now, let’s dive right in!

Brake-ing it Down: Why Are Your Brakes Squeaking

There could be several factors that play into why your brakes are squeaking. Here, we’ll look into the different reasons so you can identify the root of the issue.

• Worn-Out Brake Pads or Lack of Insulation

Due to the friction of your brake pads against your rotors, they’ll wear down over time. Due to this, it can cause loud noises as they grind with one another.

• Glazed Rotors and Pads

This occurs when your brake calipers stick together, which causes friction that will then overheat your pads and rotors, making them crystalize and stiffen.

• Anti-Rattle Clip Malfunction

Your anti-rattle clips hold your brake pads to the caliper, so if one of those breaks or wears down, it’ll result in the loud squealing noise you might be hearing now.

Regardless, you’re going to want to bring your vehicle to get serviced as soon as possible if you notice any strange noises. That way, the problem doesn’t get any worse.

How Can I Prevent Brake Squealing?

There are several habits you can do to help keep your brakes healthy and avoid squealing noises.

First and foremost, the primary way to make your brakes last is by avoiding speeding and heavy braking. Always keep a safe distance behind the vehicles traveling in front of you so you can cruise to a stop rather than slam on your brakes at the last minute. As a bonus, this also helps with fuel efficiency.

Another way to avoid brake wear and tear is by keeping your vehicle light. Be sure to go through your trunk and back seat and remove anything unnecessary. More weight in your vehicle means your brakes have to work harder in order to bring your car to a complete stop.

How Often Should I Get My Brakes Inspected?

You should get your brakes inspected at about every 10,000 miles or once a year during your annual routine maintenance service appointment. This way, you can avoid potential squeaking and grinding down the road.