Are Squeaky Brakes Dangerous? Here’s What You Need to Know

At a Glance

Squeaky brakes aren’t always dangerous, but they should never be ignored. Some of the common reasons for squeaking brakes can range from harmless moisture or debris to worn-out pads and serious brake damage. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with should help you avoid making expensive repairs and stay safe on the road. Regular checks and maintenance when you need it will ensure your braking system works properly.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Unusual Brake Sounds in Your Car

Have you noticed high-pitched squeaky sounds when you press your brake pedals? While not all squeaky sounds are dangerous, unusual car brake sounds shouldn’t be ignored. These sounds are often a sign that all is not right with your brakes. Because they’re a vital part of your vehicle’s safety system, you’ll need to get them inspected right away. 

Unusual car brake sounds can be due to a wide range of reasons, from worn-out brake pads and discs and surface rust to brake hardware issues. It’s important to know the difference between what’s normal and what may be risky, as this will determine the safety and health of your vehicle’s braking system.

Brakes are an essential part of car maintenance checks, and a visual brake check can help you address minor brake issues. For more serious brake problems, you can follow our car brake maintenance tips and, if necessary, look into upgrading your car’s brakes. This can improve stopping power and keep your car running safely, as well as prevent expensive long-term damage.

In this guide, we’re exploring when squeaky brakes are dangerous and what steps you can take to keep your vehicle safe.

Common Causes of Squeaky Brakes

Squeaky car braking sounds are annoying, but they may be indicative of mechanical issues with your braking system. It’s important to understand the common causes behind squealing, grinding, or knocking sounds from your car. This will help you to spot the difference between a harmless noise and a serious safety warning, so you can address the problem effectively.

Debris and moisture are two of the most common and harmless causes of brake sounds. This is particularly the case when you try to start your car after a night of heavy rain or cold weather. One of our car brake maintenance tips is to lightly apply the brakes and see if this stops them from squeaking. 

Screeching sounds can be indicative of a more serious issue, like worn-out brake pads. You may also hear screeching if contaminants like grease, sand, or brake fluid have embedded themselves onto the brake pads and rotors. This can usually be fixed with regular brake maintenance, which might mean upgrading your car’s brake pads if they’re worn out or cleaning them thoroughly.    

Harmless vs. Dangerous Squeak Sounds

To keep your car running safely, you need to be able to distinguish between harmless brake sounds and the more dangerous squeaks. For example, an occasional high-pitched squeak or initial car brake sounds when starting your car after a rainy night is generally considered harmless. 

Comparably, if you notice consistent high-pitched sounds or grinding noises when pressing your car’s brakes, this warrants an immediate inspection at your local garage. These sounds usually accompany worn-out brake pads that are in need of replacement. 

Grinding noises could also be due to the friction between your brake calliper and rotor. Ignoring these sounds can cause significant damage to your brake rotors and lead to costly repairs. At InTown Automotive, we provide a comprehensive free visual brake check and professional brake repair services. To learn more about the services at our garages in Northampton & Kettering, get in touch now.

How to Prevent Squeaky Brake Noises

There are proactive steps you can take to prevent dangerous squeaky brake sounds, including carrying out regular car servicing. A professional mechanic will inspect your brake and conduct maintenance as necessary, so your braking system can continue to perform reliably.

Investing in high-quality brake pads is one of the best ways to ensure reliable performance and safety. Mechanics will offer specific bedding-in procedures after the installation of new brake pads to check that the pads are settled into the rotors, making sure they perform optimally.

Consider getting brake maintenance done as part of your regular car servicing. This service usually involves cleaning debris off your brakes and lubricating all contact points on your brake’s calliper hardware. 

Weather Impact on Brakes

The UK is known for its varied weather, and Northampton is no exception. Driving on uneven roads and hitting potholes can lead to wheel alignment issues and damage to your suspension. While potholes don’t directly harm your brakes, unusual brake sounds are a sign of a separate issue, such as worn brake pads or rotors.

Wet seasons can also impact your driving. When roads are slick with rain, water can get between your brake pads and rotors, temporarily reducing braking performance until the heat from braking evaporates the moisture.

Over time, brake fluid naturally absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. This is a gradual process that can lower the fluid’s boiling point, leading to a spongy brake pedal feel and reduced performance. The best way to prevent this is to have your brake fluid checked regularly and replaced as needed.

A reputable garage, like InTown Automotive, can perform a free visual brake check to help you catch these minor problems.

When to Schedule a Brake Inspection

These car brake maintenance tips can help you address minor brake issues, but they don’t match up to the benefits of brake maintenance at a professional garage. We recommend getting your brake systems checked annually or every 12,000 miles.

Brake-related issues are one of the leading causes of MOT failures in the UK. So, a brake inspection is best done before your annual MOT, as they are a critical part of these tests. Getting a visual brake inspection before the test will prevent your car from failing the MOT unexpectedly.

If you’re hearing consistent squeaky noises or grinding car brake sounds, or you’ve had to make a hard emergency brake stop recently, schedule a brake inspection right away. Doing this can help you spot any warping or damage to your brakes and avoid potential safety concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Squeaky Brakes

• Are squeaky brakes dangerous?

While most squeaky brake sounds warrant a brake inspection, not all car brake sounds are dangerous. Occasional noises are harmless, but consistent high-pitched sounds are worth checking out at your local garage.

• Do new brakes squeal?

Yes, new brakes squeal for a short time until the pads are properly bedded with the rotors. If this lasts beyond a few hundred miles and is accompanied by other unusual noises or symptoms, it’s best to get your brakes inspected.

• Are DIY brake fixes good enough?

Basic brake checks, like looking for debris or grime, can be done at home. However, it’s best to leave any repairs or in-depth checks to mechanics, as brakes are a critical safety component of your car.

• Will squeaky brakes fail an MOT?

If the unusual noises or occasional car brake sounds don’t impact your brake’s performance, then it’s likely that your car will pass the MOT. But if these sounds accompany other symptoms that impact your brake’s efficiency, it will fail the MOT test.

Contact In Town Automotive for a Professional Brake Service Today 

Car brake sounds are indicative of brake issues, and because they’re such a critical part of your car, it’s best not to wait for a warning light. Book a free brake check today with InTown Automotive and drive with confidence. We also offer professional brake repair services, such as brake pad or disc fixes. 

We use top-of-the-line vehicle diagnostic tools to conduct full-service scans and also offer a FREE 16-point vehicle health check. Our mechanics are well-equipped to tackle various car issues to support your vehicle’s health.

To keep your car running safely and efficiently, we recommend sending it in for an all-inclusive health check. We have years of experience in fixing air conditioning, cambelts, exhausts, wheel alignment, and much more. 

With over 1000+ positive reviews on Google, we have a proven track record for delivering reliable car services. Consider visiting our services page or contacting us to book an appointment today.