When it comes to vehicle sounds, noise coming from the brakes can be the most disconcerting. After all, your braking system is one of the most important features keeping you safe on the road. Some brake noises are benign; others are more worrisome and should be checked out right away. Here are some of the most common brake noises you might encounter and what they mean.

Grinding When You First Start Your Vehicle

Do you find your brakes make a grinding noise whenever you first start your car? Depending on the weather and where your car was parked, this could be normal. Rust can build up on the rotors overnight and cause a squealing or grinding noise; it can also happen after washing your car. However, this should go away after you’ve driven around a bit. To avoid this issue, park your car in the garage.

Grinding Throughout the Day

If you hear a grinding sound throughout the day however, rotor dust probably isn’t the issue. Even if your brakes seem to be working well, it’s best to schedule an inspection. Grinding noises usually happen when the friction material of the brake pad is completely worn away, causing metal-on-metal contact. This is a definite safety issue, but it can also cause major damage to the brake rotor or drum.

High-Pitched Squealing – Brake Pad Wear Indicators

If your brakes often squeal during normal driving, it’s likely time to change your brake pads. Some brake pads come with a wear indicator that will let off a squealing noise when the pad is worn down enough for the wear bar to hit the rotor. This noise is an indicator that it’s time for a service.

Vibrations and Rattling

Have your brakes been vibrating or making rattling noises? You may have a worn or warped rotor. When the rotor is warped, the uneven surface causes pedal pulsation. If this is the case, the rotor will need to be resurfaced or replaced.

Squealing or Squeaking – Dust Buildup

Have you noticed a buildup of brake dust? This is common if you’ve put off maintenance or frequently drive on dirt roads. Brake dust usually causes a squealing or squeaking noise. Schedule an appointment, and we’ll clean your brake components.

Brake Fade

Do your brakes make intermittent or temporary noises—and feel like they’re about to fail at the same time? You may be experiencing brake fade. This can happen when you’ve had new parts or rotors installed, the wrong components are installed, or the brake fluid overheats. It’s important to get your brakes checked immediately.

Sudden Grinding – Debris-Related Sounds

Sudden grinding noises while driving are often from road debris, like pebbles, getting trapped inside the brakes. While it may work itself out as you drive, it’s best to have us evaluate the issue to make sure there’s nothing else going on.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait to Have Your Brake System Inspected

Since brakes are so critical to safe driving, you should never ignore any new or unusual sounds—especially if they’re accompanied by a change in braking power. Putting off having your system inspected can also lead to rapidly escalating repair costs. Stay safe and save money by having any issues checked out as soon as possible. Contact Accurate Automotive Attention today to schedule an appointment!