Does Your Car Make Strange Noises When You Hit the Brakes? Here’s What They Might Mean
It’s no secret that brakes are one of the most vital parts of a car. So, when you hear a strange noise whenever you hit the brakes, it is imperative not to ignore it. To help you in this matter, we’ve come up with some of the common noises brakes make and what those noises may mean:
Scraping Noise
If your car makes a scraping noise whenever you apply your brakes to turn, it’s possible your vehicle has picked up a rock from a dirt road. The rock might have gotten lodged between the rotor and the backing plate, creating that awful, annoying noise. Just take the rock out or have it removed by a mechanic, and you’re on your way.
Squeaking Noise
Does your break squeak annoyingly? It’s highly possible your mechanic installed cheap brake pads. Inferior pads often have large, wide metal flakes in the brake material that squeal every time you apply the brakes lightly. There’s no other way to fix it than to replace your pads with high quality ones.
Grinding Noise
When you hear a grinding noise when you step on the brakes, stop the car immediately. This noise is usually caused by a lack of brake pad material, meaning your pads and rotors are hitting each other with little or no braking material left. Once you bring your car to a stop, don’t attempt to drive it again until you’ve replaced your brake pads.
Unless you’re in a sports car on a racing circuit, hitting your brakes should not produce a loud and noisy sound. So, if you hear any of the noises mentioned above, take your vehicle to our auto shop in Arvada right away. Or, better yet, make sure your brakes, especially the brake pads, are high-quality and well-maintained.
Contact us, today, if you want to learn more about car brake issues.