Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

So, you’re cruising down the street and you press on the brakes to slow down for a red light. As you come to a stop, you hear a horrible squeaking sound from your brakes that can be heard all around the intersection. Why are your brakes squeaking? Well, the answer may actually be quite simple, and Andy Mohr Volkswagen is here to explore it with you.

Keep on reading our guide and learn all about what Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield drivers can do to keep their brakes well maintained.

Brake Service

What Causes Brake Squeaking?

There are all sorts of sources that may be causing brake squeaking. However, the most likely culprit is that it’s simply time to replace your brake pads. That’s because many brake pads have a built-in tab which rubs up against your brake rotors to let you know when your brake pad material is low. Think of your brakes squeaking as a built-in measurement of your brake life.

Of course, if you ignore your squeaking brakes it may lead to larger brake issues. Eventually your brake pads may get so low they start to cut into the brake rotors themselves. This will produce a grinding sound as your metal pads whittle down the metal brake rotors.

Squeaky brakes aren’t just caused by wear and tear. They can easily be caused simply by the weather. Oftentimes cold or wet brakes can lead to your brakes squeaking while they warm up and dry. If this is the case, you shouldn’t have to deal with the squeaking for very long, just until your brakes are fully warmed up.

It also may simply be a matter of your brakes not being lubricated. If your brakes have been sitting out for a long time without use, they may begin to rust and stiffen. A bit of brake lubricant may be able to alleviate any squeaking that may be bothering you.

How Long Should Brake Pads Last?

Your brake pads are one of the parts on your vehicle that you should make sure you’re reliably replacing from time to time. In general, depending on how heavily you use them, your brake pads should last anywhere between 25,000 to 70,000 miles.

Given the large range in your brake pad lifespan it’s important to make sure you’re keeping a close eye on the performance of your brake pads. In addition to your pads becoming squeaky you should also pay attention to your stopping distance. If you find that it’s taking longer for your car to come to a stop, be sure to have your brake pads serviced as soon as possible.

Schedule Brake Service with Us

If your vehicle is experiencing squeaky brakes, there’s a lot you can do to alleviate the issue. Our team here at Andy Mohr Volkswagen is equipped with all the parts and equipment to keep Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield enjoying smooth brake performance.

To start maintaining your vehicle’s brakes properly, schedule a service appointment with us today!

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