Image of brake dis system

Squeaking brakes is not a new thing. You must have experienced it once or several times in your lifetime. Usually, it is a sign that everything is not good with your brake system.

Squeaking brakes can be caused by either worn-out brake pads, brake rotors or brake shoes.

Let’s say you have just replaced the brake pads. How long should they last after they have started squeaking?

Or, does it mean that you should replace the brake pads immediately they start squeaking?

The answer is there is no specific time under which the brakes will last after squeaking.

This is because the squeaking brakes problem is caused by many different factors.

New car brakes can also squeak and when this happens, you won’t start planning to do brakes replacement. In fact, you can experience squeaky brakes just after replacing the pads.

Some causes of squeaky brakes can be accidental. The noise may not be caused by bad brake pads but just an issue that you can work on.

Also here, it will be difficult to predict how long your brakes will last.

Otherwise, if the semi-metallic brake pad noise is due to worn out brake pads, then it shows that your brakes have outlived their lifespan

Why do Brakes Squeak?

A squeak is a sound that is produced when two surfaces are rubbing against each other. It can be two metal surfaces that are producing the sound.

If the brake pads or the brake discs are completely worn out, they will definitely produce this sound.

This happens because the backplate of the brake pad is metallic. So, if the friction material wears out, this metallic surface will come into direct contact with the brake rotor.

The result will be a sharp squeaking sound. In short, the sound can be produced by either worn out brake pads or brake discs.

Harmless Signs of Squeaking Brakes

Although squeaking brakes are usually associated with red alerts, there are I occasions when you don’t have to be worried about the state of your car brakes when you hear this sound.

Your brake can get noisy because of other harmless reasons. Some of the harmless causes of squeaking brakes include:

-Dust, sand and solid particles that find their way into the brake system.

-Extremely cold weather

-Rain, snow, and presence of water that creates a superficial layer of fluid on the brake.

-When the car is hauling heavy loads which means that you need to apply more pressure on the brake system.

-When driving downhill on a steep slope. The brakes will strain hence producing the sound.

-Metallic brake pads. Metallic brake pads are generally expected to be noisy, whether they are worn out or not. The same applies to brake pads that are made of hard materials.

-Morning squeak. If your car is exposed to moisture overnight, you will hear the squeaking noise in the morning. The noise will be eliminated once the moisture evaporates.

From these signs, it is clear that you don’t have to be always paranoid about the squeaking brakes.

However, you need to be more alert if the noise is not caused by any of the above issues.

How do you Stop New Brakes from Squeaking?


As we have seen, the issue of squeaking brakes is not just caused by the worn-out brake pads or rotors.

Your new brakes can also produce this sound. The issue of squeaky brakes after replacing the pads is not new to most of us.

The noise can be caused by some of the factors that we have mentioned above.

So, how can you stop the squeaking noise that is produced from the new brake?

(i) Brakes lubrication

If you happen to hear the squeaking brakes when driving, the problem may be caused by friction between brake pads and rotor.

One way of dealing with the friction issue is by applying the appropriate lubrication. The good thing about this solution is it can also work on the rear drum brakes.

A lubricant will take the place where the two metal surfaces are I contact hence reducing the brake noise.

When applying this solution, the only task that you have is to consult your mechanic on the best lube top use on the brakes.

(ii) Managed driving

As we have seen, the issue of the squeaking brakes can be caused by how you drive and where you drive.

Maybe your driving habits cause more strain on the brakes making them produce the sharp annoying sound.

Effective driving habits will come in handy when you drive on terrains that can cause strain on the brake pads.

For instance, you can choose to downshift to a lower gear when driving downhill instead of relying on brakes.

Driving ate moderate speeds will also save your brake pads

(iii) Anti squeak solutions

Do you want a quick solution to the squeaking brakes? Buy the anti-squeak adhesives.

Just like the lubricants, the anti squeak solutions minimize the friction between the brake pads and discs.

They also absorb the vibrations that cause the brake noise hence you will not hear the squealing brakes at low speed.

(iv) Buy alternative brake pads

Brake pads that have heavy metal content are likely to squeak even at low speeds. You must have experienced this issue if you are using semi-metallic brake pads.

The best solution to this squeaky brakes after replacing the pads is changing the type of brake pads.

You can go for the ceramic brake pads or the Non- Asbestos Organic brake pads.

Of course, you will experience a change in performance and even the cost of different types of brake pads.

Buy new Brake Pads and Rotors


If the problem is caused by warped brake pads or brake rotors, you will have to buy new ones.

Worn out brake components tend to produce a loud squeaking noise. The new ones will bring that noise to an end.

Conclusion

Squeaking brakes are a nuisance so you need to act fast.

If you are planning to buy new brake components, you should contact a reliable brake pad and rotor manufacturer.

Find out the price of the new brake pads and rotors then place your order.