Why do my brakes squeal?

Proper brake performance is essential to your vehicle's safety on the road. It is important that your braking system always performs at its best. When you hear your brakes screeching, it could be a sign of problems with your system. Here are some of the most common causes of squealing brakes:

Rusty or wet brake system

If your braking system starts to rust, you may find that the brakes start to squeak. This is a common problem that often occurs when the vehicle is left in a humid environment for an extended period of time. It's nearly impossible to avoid moisture as a driver, so you'll be glad to know that these sorts of problems are often relatively superficial, in which case they disappear on their own after a while. One way to prevent this kind of brake squealing is to leave your car overnight in a garage instead of outside. This climate control minimizes the moisture your brake system is exposed to. 

Worn brake pads

Your brake pads need to be changed regularly as the system relies on brake pad friction to help your vehicle come to a complete stop. Over time, brake pads wear out and become thinner. When the brake pads get close to needing replacement, they can cause the brake system to squeal. More here about how to tell when you need new brake pads. It's important to replace your brake pads before they start to affect your vehicle's performance.

Brake fluid problems

If your brake fluid is worn out or diluted, it can affect the overall performance of your brakes. Flushing the brake fluid is a simple solution to this particular problem. This service allows the mechanic to remove all old and ineffective fluid and refill it with a fresh variant. 

Heavy loads and difficult terrain

If you carry significantly more weight in your vehicle than usual, this creates additional pressure and heat in your braking system. You can create the same tension and heat on long rides and difficult terrain. This type of squealing should go away after you've rid the car of this extra load and your brake system has had time to cool down. If not, you may find that your vehicle needs additional maintenance that needs to be addressed. 

Dirt in your brake system

Whether you've recently driven on dirt roads, near sandy beaches, or off-road, this dirt and debris can get into your brake system, causing some sort of malfunction. This often clears up over time or can be cleaned with brake lube. You can also prevent this type of damage to your system by minimizing the time you spend driving across different terrains.

Cold weather

Colder weather can put a full load on your vehicle, including the brake system. Unfortunately, this time of year is especially important to ensure that your brakes perform at their best. If possible, parking your car in a garage can help prevent weather-related problems. If you feel that squeaking and brake stress is a cause for concern, bring your vehicle in for an inspection. This will prevent any dangerous situations that may arise in combination with winter weather and poor brake performance. 

Type of brake pad

Some types of brake pads are more prone to squeaking than others, including more metallic brake pads and harder brake pads. While they often work just as well or even better than other brake pads, the squeak will most likely not go away with time. If you find that these types of brake pads are interfering with your driving, you can ask for a different brand of brake pads on your next visit to the mechanic. 

Brake service near me

If your brakes squeak, they most likely need a technical inspection. brake service. Chapel Hill tires have everything you need to keep your brakes running like new. With mechanics in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Carrborough and Durham, the professionals at Chapel Hill Tire are easily accessible to drivers throughout the Triangle. to make an appointment today with your local Chapel Hill Tire mechanic. 

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