The Truth About Brake Noises: Are They All Bad? [Infographic]

Not every sound your brakes make is cause for concern! 

We’ve all experienced it; you ease down on your brake and hear that awful squeaking sound as you come to a stop. It looks like you need to schedule an appointment with the auto shop… or do you?

There can actually be quite a few situations where the noise you hear while braking could be a normal occurance, such as a temperature change’s effect on the vehicle. Suddenly hearing your breaks squealing can be stressful or scary, but in actuality, some brake noises are just temporary and may not indicate a major problem in the brake system. This infographic about brake noises will clear up the mystery and hopefully give you some peace of mind. 

Brakes sound squeaky?

Bring your car into your local AAMCO Colorado Today.
Make sure your brakes perform when it matters.

Infographic illustrating the brake noises and elaborating on whether they are serious or not

Harmless and Temporary Brake Noises

  • Low Temperatures and Increased Moisture: When those cold Colorado days roll around and snow or ice starts to build up on your brake pads and rotors, the heat from friction will melt the ice and cause a squeaking sound. Have no fear, the sound should disappear once either the ice melts or the system dries out. 
  • Increased Heat Buildup and Heavy Usage: 
  • This is a incredibly common problem while driving in the Colorado mountains — you are on your way down after a day of fun in the snow or hiking and you’ve kept your foot on the brake pedal the whole time. This causes your brakes to become exceedingly hot and can lead to decreased friction between the brake pads and rotors, causing a squeak or squealing noise. This sound and the decrease in braking power that comes with it is called “brake fade” and can be remedied by pulling over safely and allowing your brakes time to cool down for around five minutes.
  • Drives Through Dusty Areas and Brake BuildupAre you a fan of off-roading or does your commute take you through unpaved roads or dusty areas? These often lead to your brake pads and rotors getting covered in debris and grime. The increased friction from this buildup can cause audible scratching of squeaking noises. Luckily this is an easy fix. Bring your vehicle in to your local AAMCO Colorado for a brake inspection, our technicians can easily wipe away any dirt and grime accumulation.
  • Using New Performance Metal Brake Pads: Noticing the sound from your brake pads may be difficult depending on what type of material they are made from, such as ceramic, metallic or organic pads. The metallic pads tend to be louder while having improved braking performance in a wider range of conditions and temperatures. If you have metallic brake pads, the squeaking noise might just be the natural sound that they make. Ask more about your brake pad type at your local AAMCO Colorado.

Keep your ears open: If the brake squeaking persists, it may be a safety concern.

If you notice that the squeaking noises don’t go away after driving on them for awhile or after conditions listed above change, take note of it. If your brakes are worn-out or malfunctioning, they may not perform well enough to stop your vehicle when you really need it. Sometimes an accident can be averted by mere inches, proper brake maintenance habits are well worth it. Brakes that continously screech under specific situations or if you notice the sound getting louder may indicate that its time to replace the brake pads. 

image of a mechanic and tool during Brake Inspection
image of a checklist

Here are a few signs you should look out for that may indicate a brake problem:

  • Your brake pedal or steering wheel vibrating or pulsing
  • Your tires smell like something is burning
  • Your brake warning light is on or flashing

If you notice any of these problems, bring your vehicle in to your nearest AAMCO Colorado today for a courtesy Vehicle Courtesy Brake Check.

Are you worried about the cost of a brake inspection?

We know that sometimes money can be tight, especially when it comes to proper vehicle maintenance, however, AAMCO Colorado is on your side. Bring your vehicle in for a free Vehicle Courtesy Check! Getting your brakes checked won’t cost you a dime here at AAMCO Colorado — Schedule an appointment today and put your mind at ease. Our expert technicians will either let you know that sound you’ve been hearing is normal or they will identify the problem before it turns into a much bigger one. Let us help you get back on the road safely!

image of AAMCO Mechanic talking to woman while leaning over hood of vehicle

Suspect your brakes might be in peril?

Schedule an appointment today at your nearest AAMCO learn more about what engine oil your vehicle needs. We will help you increase your mileage and lengthen the life of your engine.

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