Brakes are possibly the most important safety feature on every vehicle. Anytime they make an unusual noise should be a cause for concern. But squeaking brakes don’t necessarily mean your vehicle is unsafe. Bland Street Auto Center in Bluefield, WV, can identify and fix all kinds of strange car noises. They want to help you understand why your brakes are making unpleasant sounds and what you can do about it.

A Guide to Noisy Brakes

How Do They Work?

To identify what causes noise in your car, it’s helpful to understand how the mechanisms work. Modern brakes consist of two cast-iron discs squeezed between brake pads lined with friction material. When you push down on the brake lever with your foot, the brake pads clamp around the discs, slowing the wheel and stopping the car. All brakes make some noise, but the volume and pitch are controlled by the stiffness and mass of the discs and pads.

What Do the Sounds Indicate?

There are normal noises that are affected by driving conditions such as severe humidity and dusty or sandy roads. Do you hear a swishing or grinding sound at the first few stops in the morning? This is due to moisture build-up overnight. Once the brakes warm up and drive off that excess moisture, the sound should cease. Similarly, a hissing or grinding noise on rainy or dewy mornings is the brakes sweeping off a thin film of rust that has developed overnight.

Other sounds indicate a more serious problem. Many brakes pads contain a small sliver of steel that scrapes against the disc as the pads wear down. This noise means the brake pads need to be replaced for fresh ones, or you risk grinding down your the discs. Instead of hissing or squeaking, brakes will make a sound similar to ripping sheet metal. This is a repair that should not be ignored; visit an auto repair shop as soon as possible.

What Can You Do?

If the noises are recurrent, but not caused by any serious problems, there are ways that you can reduce sounds. While many auto shops carry products that claim to lower noise, you don’t want to apply anything that could compromise your brakes. Describe the problems to a mechanic for reliable and safe options.

If you’re in Mercer, Bland, or Tazewell County and are tired of listening to squeaky brakes, take your vehicle to Bland Street Auto Center. Whether it’s an oil change or a more substantial repair, they can handle just about any car trouble. Schedule your appointment today by calling (304) 327-5025. Visit their website for more information.