Auto Service Kingston advises that if your brakes are squealing every time that you press down on the brake pedal, they are telling you that they are overdue for servicing. They could also be telling you that they are overheating, which can make driving your car, truck, or utility vehicle very dangerous. Let’s talk more about the causes of squealing brakes below.
Worn Brake Pads
If your brake pads have worn down to the replacement indicator, your brakes will squeal. Depending on the indicator, they may squeal while you are driving only to quiet down when you press down on the brake pedal, or they may squeal when you apply the brakes. It’s important to replace the brake pads when they need it so they don’t damage the rotors.
Glazed Brake Pads
Your brakes will also squeal if the brake pads are glazed. This is a sign that the brakes are overheating. When the brakes get too hot, the brake pads smooth out. This causes them to squeal when they press against the rotors rather than generate friction to stop your automobile.
Glazed Rotors
The same thing happens to the rotor surfaces if they get too hot. The rotor surfaces are cut to work with the brake pads to create friction for kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is what stops your vehicle. Smooth rotor surfaces are unable to create friction with the brake pads.
Broken Anti-Rattle Clips
Your brakes are also equipped with anti-rattle clips. These clips keep the brake pads and insulation in place when the calipers press against them. If one of these clips breaks, the pads will shimmy when you apply the brakes. This motion causes them to make squealing noises.
Zero Pad Insulation
Another thing that prevents your brake pads from squealing every time you use the brakes is brake pad insulation. This insulation is installed when your brakes are installed in the automobile during assembly. The insulation needs to be replaced every time the pads are replaced. An inexperienced technician may not replace the insulation when he or she replaces the brake pads.
Worn Rotor Surfaces
Finally, worn rotor surfaces are warped and can make the brakes squeal and your vehicle wobble when you apply the brakes. Have the rotor surfaces recut every 60,000 miles to make sure you don’t end up with squealing brakes due to warped rotor surfaces.
Auto Service Kingston is the best auto service shop in Kingston, ON, and we’d be happy to inspect your brakes if they are squealing all the time. Once we find the problem, we can fix it.