Why are my brakes squeaking and/or grinding?

Squeaking or grinding noises coming from car brakes is one of the most common car complaints, and understandably so – it can be really annoying! But what causes it and can it be dangerous? The only thing bringing your car to stop when pressing the brake pedal is the grip from your tires and the force of your brakes stopping them from spinning. When your brakes are squeaking or grinding, it’s a sign that there is a problem and it’s important to know what to do.

What are the most common causes of brake noises?

There are a few different issues that can cause your brakes to make squeaking or grinding noises which vary in severity. Some of the most common causes are:

• You may have picked up some small rocks or debris in between your pads and rotor
• Your brake rotors have become rusty due to moisture
• Your brake caliper pistons are in need of lubrication
• Your brake pads are worn-down
• Your brake pad materials might not be the right fit for your car

Even if you think it may just be dust or debris causing the noises you’re hearing, it’s worth getting your brakes checked by a qualified mechanic to avoid the risk of an accident or a much bigger expense down the road. 

Squeaking noises are a warning

Squeaky brakes can be really annoying when you’re stuck in traffic, but it’s also a good warning. If your brakes are squeaking when you use them, there’s a good chance your brakes are starting to develop an issue. Sometimes this means you’ll likely need new brake pads. Failing to replace your brake pads could cause damage to your rotors or cause your brakes to fail, leading to an accident.

Grinding noises require immediate action

If you are hearing grinding sounds while using your brakes, you need to immediately pull over and call a tow truck. This noise is typically caused by the complete absence of brake pad material, allowing the metal backing of the brake pad and the rotor to grind together, making that horrendous sound and causing serious damage to your brake components.

When you hear grinding, it’s important to act quickly to avoid putting yourself in danger (as your brakes will not be working effectively) and also stop yourself from facing a shocking repair bill. If you hear grinding, you’ll almost definitely need to replace your brake pads, but other damage can occur the longer you let the grinding go on. Replacement of brake pads on the average car usually ranges between $150 and $300, whereas a full brake replacement including calipers, pads, and rotors altogether can easily start to get very expensive

Is it time to get your brakes checked?

If you have been hearing squeaking or grinding from your brakes, it’s time to get your brakes checked. At Australian Mechanical, our qualified technicians and mechanics will provide quality and timely service to assess your brakes and get you back on the road, driving in peace again. Contact us or give us a call  on 07 3356 1538 today.