We all know that sound. It’s enough to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. You go to put your foot on the brake when you hear a really horrible screeching sound. It’s like nails on a chalkboard, and when you finally come to a stop at the intersection, everybody is staring at you. Obviously, your brakes need some work. But what, exactly, is causing that hideous noise?
While this issue can’t be checked with a diagnostic code reader, there are a few likely offenders that are commonly responsible for that screeching sound.
What Is Causing My Brakes To Screech?
- Worn-down brake pads: The brake pads are the only thing keeping you from crashing right into a brick wall, and over time they will wear down for continued use. In order to ensure that you are getting your pads changed out before it’s too late and they become a safety hazard, brake pad manufacturers add a wear indicator to let you know your pads are getting low and need to be changed soon. This indicator is usually a little metal wire embedded inside the brake pad. Once your pads start getting low, the metal wire will come into contact with the rotor as it spins. This produces the iconic and horrible screeching sound, and is the most common cause of noisy brakes.
- Worn-out brake pads: If your brakes have been screeching for a while due to the wear indicator coming into contact with the brake rotors, but you’ve ignored it, then it’s possible that your brakes will become worn out completely. When this happens, that squeal will gradually turn into a full on grinding sound. This happens when the brake pad is completely gone and your brakes are down to metal on metal. This can also result in reduced braking capabilities, which can be very dangerous. That’s why it’s recommended that you get your brake pads changed as soon as you hear the screech from the wear indicator.
- Overheating brakes: While worn out brake pads are the most common cause of brake noise, you might also experience a squeal if your brakes are overheated. If you drive down a steep decline and are constantly stepping on the brake, the brake pads can overheat and essentially melt, making them hard and smooth. This will result in a similar noise that you would expect to hear when the brakes are getting low, even if your pads are relatively new.
- Rocks embedded in the brake pad: If you have been off-roading or driving on unkempt roads, it’s possible for tiny pebbles to get lodged in between the rotor and the brake pad. Since the pad and rotor are already so close together, it’s unlikely the small stones will become dislodged on their own. The only way to remedy this issue would be to take the brakes apart completely, clean them, and put them back together.
- Low grease: If your braking system isn’t properly lubricated, it could be the cause of an unpleasant noise. Just like most of the moving components in your vehicle, they need to be properly greased to function correctly. When replacing brake pads, be sure to apply a small amount of grease to the back of the pad to keep everything moving correctly and prevent sticking.
Is It Ok To Drive With Noisy Brakes?
As we stated earlier, your brakes are the only thing keeping you from smashing headfirst into a brick wall. Proper brake maintenance and performance are essential to keeping you safe out on the roads. Anytime you suspect an issue with your brakes you should be very cautious.
Whether or not it is safe to drive with noisy brakes depends on what is causing the noise. If the wear indicator just started making noise, you don’t need to head directly to the shop.
However, if you notice a grinding sound, or any decrease in braking function, it’s not safe to drive and you need to get your brake fixed immediately. Stop right where you are and call Lakeside Mobile Mechanic to come evaluate the issue.