Any time your car makes an unexpected noise, it can be cause for concern. So, when your brakes begin to squeak, should you head straight for the garage? There are a few different reasons that your brakes can begin to make noises, so we recommend you check your car to see which might be the culprit.
Sometimes it will be a simple issue that isn’t a major fault. However, if you’re not sure or if you think it’s a sign of a mechanical failure, don’t hesitate to contact a garage. Your brakes are responsible for bringing your car to a stop safely. If they aren’t operating as they should be, they pose a serious risk of injury to you and other drivers.
Here’s just a few reasons why you might be hearing squeaky noises when you stop your car:
The Brake Pads Are Worn
Brake pads are bound to wear out over time. Their purpose is to create friction, which in turn stops your vehicle. This friction eventually causes the brake pad to deteriorate. Once the pad has become too thin, the rotor blade will grind against it and make a squeaking nose. This will also risk damaging the rotor. If you haven’t had your brake pads checked in a while, they could be the culprit.
However, if you’ve just had new brake pads fitted, you shouldn’t need to worry. New pads may squeak a little before they settle in. If the noise really bothers you, speed up and brake a few times to wear off the top layer and reduce the squeak. Always do this in a place where you can stop and accelerate safely, and be mindful of other drivers.
Poor Weather Conditions
Sometimes the squeaking noise can be the result of something as simple as the weather. During particularly wet weather conditions, the moisture can cause the brakes to squeak. If the temperature plummets and the components of your car start to freeze, this can also create temporary squeaking noises.
Many brakes will squeak a little for the first few stops of each drive. Once any moisture has a chance to run off and the brakes are warm, it should go away. In this case, you probably don’t need to worry about it being a mechanical issue.
Heavy Loads
If you’re carrying a lot more passengers than usual or have loaded your car up with heavy objects, the brakes may squeak. A heavy vehicle adds pressure to the tyres and the brakes. If your boot is full of heavy objects that don’t need to be there, consider taking them out. This could resolve any squeaking noises you hear when you brake.
If Your Car Has Squeaky Brakes, Call Volkswagen & Audi Centre
It doesn’t matter what make or model your car is, if your brakes are squeaking and you think it could be a mechanical issue, give us a call. Even if you can’t work out why your brakes are making unusual noises, don’t hesitate to book in for a brake check. It’s much better to be safe than sorry, as faulty brakes could pose a huge safety risk.