Outline:
- Dusty Squealing Noises
- Vibration Sounds
- Brake Fade Sounds
- Brake Wear Noises
- Daily Morning Sounds
- Debris-related Sounds
- Thumping
- Scraping Sounds
- Other Noises
- Tips and Tricks to Extending the Life of Your Brakes
- To Sum it Up
Summary: It is crucial to understand the proper functioning of brakes, and you don’t need to be a car expert to do so. The moment you hear an odd noise each time you step on the pedal, that’s a tell-tale sign that something is wrong. Hence, a trip to a professional brake repair service is necessary. To give you an idea, this blog post will enumerate some of the most common brake noises and what they mean.
Dusty Squealing Noises
These are attributed to the buildup of brake dust. Brake dust typically causes a screeching noise rather than vibrating, banging, or grinding noises. Once you hear a grinding or loud noise, there is a possibility of a more serious issue. In this case, Google ‘brake shop near me’ to find the right professionals who will investigate whether dust is indeed the main culprit. They can also clean the brake drums and shoes to eliminate the annoying sound.
Vibration Sounds
Does the brake vibrate or rattle every time you step on it? If you are experiencing this issue, chances are the rotor is warped or damaged. A damaged rotor creates a rough surface that does not enable the brake to contact the rotor. In this case, you must call a professional mechanic to fix the issue. Don’t try to move or adjust the rotor or brake pads yourself, as it can result in more problems that can put you in a risky condition.
Brake Fade Sounds
Does the brake of your car feel like it is about to fail? If so, brake fade might be the main issue, especially if the inconsistent activity is accompanied by noises.
Brake fade occurs once the brakes overheat. Usually, this happens if you have new rotors or pads installed, overheating brake fluid, or the wrong rotors installed.
While the annoying brake squeaking sound and decrease in stopping power may only be a short-term or intermittent occurrence, this is still something you shouldn’t ignore. Anything that gets in the way of your vehicle’s capability to stop poses a possible danger. If you suspect brake fade is the problem, call a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection and repair.
Brake Wear Noises
Do you hear a squeaking sound each time you step on your car’s brake? Prior to calling a mechanic, recall first the last time you changed the brake pads. If you have not changed the pads for a couple of months and your vehicle is not new, the brake squeaking could indicate it’s time for a replacement.
In most car makes and models, the brake pad wear indicator is made from steel. It produces a squeaking noise whenever it hits the rotor. Damaged pads are risky and not effective to drive on. Thus, take your car to a car repair shop right away so the pads can get inspected and replaced.
Daily Morning Sounds
Do you hear a grinding noise every morning when you start to drive your car? This is somewhat normal and may be caused by accumulated moisture, which leads to corrosion build-up. To steer clear of this problem, park your vehicle in the garage, especially when it snows, rains, or is humid. If the strange sound persists, Google ‘brake repair shop near me’ to find the most reliable expert that can fix your vehicle.
Debris-Related Sounds
Does your car produce a sudden grinding sound each time you engage the brake? Even if this noise is normal, it can also be an indication of another issue. Whenever the grinding sound is produced, a pebble or stone is probably trapped inside. To have peace of mind, let the professionals inspect your car.
Thumping
This noise is less common and usually only related to the drum brake system. Drum brakes can become warped in due course, causing them to be out of balance. Don’t dwell on theories and let your trusted mechanic examine your car to figure out the problem and how to fix it.
Scraping Sounds
If your car is making a scraping sound like something is being pulled across a tin place while making a turn, chances are you have picked up a pebble from a dirt street. It is also possible that a stone has gotten stuck between the backing plate and the rotor, producing an annoying and awful noise.
Other Noises
Aside from the noises mentioned above, you might hear other annoying sounds each time you step on the brake or while driving your vehicle. These can include rattling, vibrating, and humming, to name a few. It is important to note that the brake isn’t always the culprit. The suspension, exhaust, engine, transmission, fans, belts, cooling system, and other parts of the car could have been damaged, or the connections are loose, resulting in some awful sounds.
Tips and Tricks to Extending the Life of Your Brakes
Various brake parts play a role in stopping your vehicle, and as with any component, they eventually wear out. However, the tips and tricks below, combined with regular maintenance, can help prolong your brakes’ lifespan:
- Be Gentle and Avoid Abrupt Stops – Slamming the brakes on at high speeds can wear down the brake pads prematurely. So, drive at the right speed and brake gently as much as possible.
- Avoid Driving with Two Feet – Keeping one foot on the accelerator and one on the gas can result in brake taps during acceleration, which puts excessive pressure on the brakes.
- Lighten Your Car’s Load – Unless needed, never weigh your vehicle down with weighty objects.
- Coast If You Can – If possible, coast to hold back instead of stepping on the brake. This is a surefire way to keep your brake in tip-top working condition.
- Bleed and Flush the Brakes Every Two Years – This safeguards the brake line from the air and keeps your car free from internal corrosion. To know how often to do this, it’s recommended to check your owner’s manual.
- Keep a Balanced Suspension System – A balanced suspension system can effectively prevent the front brakes from wearing down faster.
To Sum it Up
Each time you hear an odd sound coming from your car, don’t make assumptions. Call an expert for accurate assessment and inspection. Dependable Car Care is one of the most trusted car repair workshops that will come up once you search for ‘brake repair shop near me’. Based in Ventura, California, we have a team of ASE-certified mechanics who specialize in brake repair and other maintenance services. Experience peace of mind and comfort on the road by booking an appointment with us today!
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