Every time you step on your brakes they squeal. Sometimes, they squeal so loud that other drivers look at you. It’s annoying and embarrassing. The problem is that your brakes won’t squeal unless there is something going on behind your wheels. CAR FIX can inspect your brakes to find out why they make noise every time you use them. Here are some of the common reasons why brakes squeal.
Wet Roads
We get a lot of rain here in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and this can be one of the reasons why your brakes keep squealing. Water on the brake pads can make them squeal, although this sound should only be temporary. Once the roads dry up or your brakes dissipate the water, you shouldn’t hear squealing anymore. If you do, something else is going on.
Brake Pad Wear
Brake pads have an indicator that is designed to make noise once the brake pads need to be replaced. In most cases, this noise is a squealing sound while you’re driving. Once you apply the brakes, the system will go silent. If this is the brake problem symptom that you are experiencing and you haven’t had your brake pads replaced in over 30,000 miles, chances are they are worn down too much.
Glazed Brakes
Glazed brakes mean that your brakes are overheating. When the brakes get too hot, the brake pad and rotor surfaces will smooth out. The result of these smooth surfaces is squealing every time you use the brakes. If you smell something burning alongside the squealing sounds, your brakes are overheating and it’s critical that you stop driving your vehicle. Overheated brakes fail.
Rotor Surface
The rotors put up with a lot. Every time you apply the brakes the brake pads press against them and cause friction. This is what is needed to stop your automobile, but the constant heat and pressure also warp the rotors over time. If your brakes are squealing constantly, it could be that your rotor surface needs to be resurfaced. This is usually done every 60,000 miles.
Pad Insulation
Finally, the brake pads have insulation that is designed to prevent them from squealing, but if this insulation is worn or if it wasn’t installed the last time you had a brake pad replacement, your brakes will squeal every time you use them. The insulation needs to be installed at every brake pad change to make sure you don’t end up with this problem.
CAR FIX is the best auto service shop in Oak Ridge, TN, because we work hard and treat our customers with the utmost respect. Call us today to schedule an appointment so we can inspect your brakes and find out why there squealing.
