Why do I Hear a Noise When I Brake?

When you are driving in your car and hit the brakes, it can be very disconcerting to hear strange noises. You rely on your brakes to stop the car when needed and keep you safe on the roads, so strange noises can cause concern when you don’t know what is causing them. There are a few different sounds brakes can make, all of them stemming from a different problem with the brakes that needs to be remedied.

Let’s look at some of the noises you may hear when your brakes are in need of service, and what you need to do to fix it.

Squeaking Sounds

Squeaking sounds coming from the brakes when they are in use is generally a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced.

Brake pads should be replaced on a regular basis as they wear down, to help prevent damage to the brake rotor. A squeaking sound can also be caused by cheap brake pads that aren’t worn down, but it can be difficult to tell the difference, so make sure to replace your brake pads with a high quality pad to avoid the squeaking sound.

Grinding Sounds

If you hear grinding when applying your brakes, you need to have your brakes checked as soon as possible. Grinding indicates that the brake pads have been worn through and are no longer functioning. When this happens it causes damage to the rotors, which can create a more expensive problem that will have to be repaired.

If you’ve been ignoring squeaking brakes and are now hearing a grinding sound, you need to get your brake pads and rotors replaced as soon as possible.

Thumping Sounds

A thumping sound, especially coming from the rear tires, is not something to be overly alarmed by. This sound, while annoying, is not an indication of wear or damage and will not lead to any issues.

The thumping sound is caused by the rotors not having a smooth surface. The inside of the rotors may be grooved, causing the brake pads to rub against it and make that rhythmic thumping sound. To fix this issue, you can simply sand down the rotors to a smooth finish.

Mighty Auto Pro is Your Home for Brake Repair in Medina, OH.

If you’ve noticed strange sounds coming from your brakes, it’s probably a good idea to have a mechanic take a look to see if it’s time for a brake pad and/or rotor replacement. At Mighty Auto Pro we are here to put your mind at ease and get you back on the road. Call us today to discuss our Medina brake repair services and get your car back into tip top shape!