It’s happened to everyone, you’re driving down the road when you approach a red light. As you press the brakes, you hear a squeak that grabs your attention.
Squeaking brakes are important to pay attention to. While it may seem harmless, it is important to have it looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
Are you wondering what squeaking brakes mean? We’ll go over the meaning and importance of servicing your brake pads in this article.
Squeaking Brakes: Check Your Brake Pads
Any noise that’s out of the ordinary can be scary when it comes from your car. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what to do when you hear something odd.
When it comes to squeaking, the most common cause is that your brake pads are wearing down. You’ll often hear it when you press the brakes, but you may also hear it when you’re not pressing them.
It is caused by the metal touching the rotors. This occurs after the brake pads have worn down. It’s fixed by changing your brake pads to a new set.
If you hear squeaking, be sure to get it checked.
Why Else Might a Car Squeak?
While brake pads are a common reason for your car to squeak, some other things can cause the noise as well.
Sometimes, it can be due to your steering system. If your steering system is in need of lubrication, it can produce a squeaking noise.
If you’re speeding up when you notice squeaking, you can be sure that it’s not your brakes. Instead, it’s likely a problem with your belts. As they age and wear out it can produce a squeaking noise as well.
For any one of these issues, be sure to get your vehicle in for servicing.
Other Signs That You Need New Brake Pads
The squealing noise that you’ll hear is bad, but if left unchecked it can get worse. There are a few other noises and signs that you should also be on the lookout for.
Here are some other signs that your brake pads need to be changed.
On the Grind
If the squeaking doesn’t alert you, the next step is grinding. Eventually, the brake pads will wear down so far that the metal will start to grind.
When this happens, it’s even more imperative to take your vehicle into a professional.
Bad Vibrations
Where there’s grinding, there are likely vibrations on your brake pedal. You’ll feel this when you push down on the pedal.
If you notice this, it’s also important to get it serviced right away.
Lights
On newer vehicles, you may have a light that alerts you about your brake pads. This is great for catching the problem before it gets worse.
If the light comes on, take it in to catch the issue before it gets worse.
No More Squeaking Brakes
With this guide, you’ve learned why your brakes might squeak and how you can avoid them. Knowing what to look for will help you bring it in quickly before it gets worse.
At Dependable Car Care, we’re proud to help you with your squeaking brakes problem. We’ll have your car in and out good as new.
Are you due for new brake pads in Ventura, CA? If you are, book an appointment with us today!
