As unusual as they might be, some car sounds are no big deal, but this is rarely true of your brakes. Squealing, grinding, or other strange noises coming from your brakes could just mean worn-out pads, or they might indicate more serious problems that could indicate an impending failure. If you hear any of the following sounds, play it safe and schedule brake service as soon as possible.

Causes of 4 Common Brake Noises

1. Squealing or Squeaking

Squealing or screeching signs are usually your car’s way of telling you that the pads are worn out. In fact, many modern brake pads are purposely designed to make unpleasant squeaks or screeches when they’re too badly eroded to stop your vehicle. Fortunately, this is usually a relatively inexpensive brake service and won’t cause further damage if you get it taken care of right away.

2. Rattling

Brakes have a lot of moving parts, some of which can come loose if they’re not installed correctly. Rattling usually means your brake pad or rotor is moving more than it should, potentially impacting the performance of the entire system.

3. Grinding

Grinding is usually caused by metal-on-metal contact, which is almost always an emergency. In most cases, the grinding is caused by the caliper eating into the rotor after the brake pad has completely worn away.

4. Thumping

Rhythmic thumping sounds when you apply the brake are almost always caused by warped, rusted, or improperly installed rotors. Without prompt brake service, you run the risk of damaging your system even further, so take your vehicle in for an inspection right away.

Whether you need routine brake service or a full engine rebuild, there’s nothing that the professionals at Bennett Motor Werks can’t do. They’ve been Litchfield County’s premier important specialists for over 30 years, providing high-quality service on vehicles from all over the world. Visit their website for more on their wide range of services, or call (860) 567-9290 to make an appointment.