Why do my brakes squeak when I first start driving? Squeaky brakes when you first start driving can be worrisome. This high-pitched noise could be indicative of a problem with the braking system.
Sometimes, this is not a severe issue, and the squeaky sound disappears after the brakes are warmed up. Other times, the noise may persist due to several problems. Since vehicle brakes are crucial for road safety, digging deeper into this problem is essential.
Herein, you’ll discover the common causes of squeaking brakes and how to address each issue. We’ll also provide ways to prevent your auto brakes from squeaking.
Question: What Causes Brakes to Squeak When You First Start Driving?
Brakes squeak when you first start driving due to materials stuck in the brakes. Overnight moisture, dust, or debris between the brake pads and rotors could be to blame. You can clear these materials by driving for a while or cleaning the brake system.
Also, parts in the brake system can fail due to improper maintenance, braking style, or regular use and cause a squeaking sound.
Here are the common reasons for brakes squeaking when you first start driving.
Overnight Moisture
Exposing your car to overnight moisture can cause the brakes to make a high-pitched noise. Rain, humidity, or snow allow moisture to accumulate on the brakes over the night. This moisture causes a layer of rust to form around the rotors.
So when you apply brakes in the morning, you’ll likely hear the odd squeaking noise. The noise happens when the brake pads glide against the rust buildup on the rotors. The good news is the pads will clear this rust after driving for a while and end the noise.
If you find this noise irritating, park your car in the garage to avoid moisture accumulation. Note that water can seep into the brakes when washing the car, triggering this problem. After cleaning the car, go on a short drive to allow the brake pads, rotors, and discs to warm up. Doing this will dissipate moisture in the brakes.
Accumulation of Dust or Debris
Dust, mud, or stones can accumulate between the brake pads and rotors over time. This can happen if you drive on dusty roads or allow the car to sit for an extended period collecting dust. With dust or debris in the brakes, you’ll hear a squeaking sound the first time you apply brakes.
The odd sound may go away after braking the car a few times. If the dust or debris accumulation causes corrosion, you’ll hear the noise every time you apply brakes.
To address this issue, remove the problematic brakes and check for debris buildup. Remove any stuck gunk or debris between the rotors and pads. If you find stubborn gunk or corrosion, use brake cleaner to remove it.
A wire brush or 180-200 grit sandpaper can help remove rust or corrosion on the rotors. Dust or debris can also accumulate on the caliper pins and cause the squeaking problem. Dip a wire brush in your brake cleaner to clean the caliper pins and pinholes.
Worn Brake Pads
Why do my brakes squeak when I first start driving? The first thing that may come to mind is the brake pads. It’s natural for brake pads to wear out over time. You’ll need to periodically replace the pads to ensure they’re effective and quiet when stopping the car.
When brake pads thin out, they reach their minimum thickness and lose effectiveness. If you apply brakes, the worn pads create a high-pitched noise to let you know they need replacing.
The irritating sound is more prevalent when you first start driving. When the rotors and pads get heated, the sound can disappear after a few brake applications.
Ignoring this problem can cause life-threatening accidents. The worn brake pads will also damage the rotors by warping or cracking.
If you suspect worn pads cause the squeaking noise, remove them and install new ones. You can also check the rotors and have them replaced if they look damaged.
Improper Lubrication
Brake pads require proper lubrication to perform optimally. They should glide smoothly in the caliper clips to allow proper braking.
The caliper clips hold the pads in place, ensuring smooth, consistent movement. Proper lubrication reduces friction between the pads and clips. In the case of improper lubrication, the pads will rub against the clips and create a squeaking noise.
Resolving this issue requires proper lubrication of the brake pads. Remove the pads and apply your lubricant at the ends of your brake pads – the contact point between the pads and clips. You may also want to clean dust, gunk, or corrosion between the pads and the clips.
If your car uses drum brakes, you should lubricate where the shoes and the drum are in contact. Failure to do this can cause the brake shoes to scrape against the drum, resulting in a squeaking noise.
Note: Avoid applying your lubricant on the brake pads but the contact points only. If you’re unsure how to lubricate the pads, contact your mechanic for help.
Braking Habits
So, why do my brakes squeak when I first start driving? Your braking habits could be to blame. The heat generated when you repeatedly apply brakes can cause glazing on the pad’s surface.
Glazed brake pads won’t create the required friction to slow or stop the car. The friction material on the pads hardens and polishes, reducing its effectiveness. You’ll often hear squeaking during the initial driving as the pads try to contact the rotors.
To fix this problem, touch the surface of the pads with your finger. If you feel a smooth, glassy finish, your car has glazed brake pads that need replacing. You’ll also need to change your braking style to prevent the pads from glazing.
Answer: How To Prevent My Brakes From Squeaking
Preventing your brakes from squeaking can avert stress and costly repairs. Here are tips to help you prevent the annoying brake squeaks when you first start to drive.
- Install quality brake pads: High-quality brake pads can withstand excessive heat and friction from hard or repeated braking. You can consult your mechanic about the most reliable pads for your car.
- Lubricate the touchpoints: Keep the contact points between the pads and caliper clips well-lubricated. Doing so allows the pads to glide continuously and quietly on the clips.
- Adopt better braking habits: Avoid sudden or repeated braking that can cause the pads to wear quickly and become noisy. Better driving or braking habits involve braking and accelerating gently to minimize wear and tear in the braking system.
- Regular maintenance: One of the most common reasons the braking system fails is improper maintenance. Consider a routine braking system inspection if you want to keep the squeaking noise away. Clean the parts if necessary and replace them if they appear worn.
Final Thoughts
Why do my brakes squeak when I first start driving? Several issues can cause your brakes to make a high-pitched noise the first time you apply brakes. The most common causes are overnight moisture and dust or debris accumulation.
Other issues, such as worn brake pads, improper lubrication, and bad braking habits, can also trigger this problem. Always determine the root cause to get rid of the annoying squeaky sounds. You should reach out to your mechanic for help if necessary.
FAQs
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about squeaking brakes when driving.
Q: Why do my brakes squeak on a cold start?
A: Brakes tend to freeze when temperatures go below 32°F, making squeaking noises when you start the car. The squeaking goes away when the brakes heat up and melt the ice between the pads and rotors.
Q: How long can I drive with squeaky brakes?
A: If the brake pads are to blame, they will give you a few days to keep driving. You can continue driving for 1-2 days with squeaky brakes before fixing the root problem.
Q: Why do my brakes squeak without braking?
A: If your brakes squeak even without applying the brakes, you probably have a lubrication problem in the system. Dust and debris or improperly installed brake components could also be to blame.