Here are 9 reasons your brakes are squealing.

1. Brake Pads are Worn

One of the most common causes of squeaky brakes is worn brake pads. Modern brake pads are designed with a metal wear indicator that starts producing a high-pitched squeal when the pads reach their minimum safe thickness. This sound isn’t just a nuisance – instead, it’s a built-in warning system to let you know it’s time to replace your brake pads.

If the squeal turns into a harsh grinding sound, your rotors are likely damaged too and that can double or even triple the cost of a standard brake pad replacement. 

2. Dust or Debris on Brake Components

Brake squealing isn’t always about wear – it can also be caused by something as simple as dust or small debris trapped between the brake pads and rotors, creating a squeaking noise during contact.

This typically happens if you drive in dusty or muddy conditions, or if your car has been sitting idle for a while. In Officer, the latter is more common since the city’s roads aren’t that dusty to cause the problem, unless you’ve driven out of town recently.

If you’re wondering how long your car has to be idle to have dust stuck inside its pads and rotors, it’s usually a month. In fact, we had a client that came in a a few months ago with a squeaky brake and it turned out it was because his car was sitting out in his garage for a month while he was away.

“The good news is that these types of noises often disappear on their own after a few normal braking applications as the friction wipes away the debris,” says Dilshan, founder of The Car Guys Garage.

If the noise persists, a simple cleaning with brake cleaner or light sanding of the rotor surface can usually solve the issue. It’s a small fix, but one that can make a big difference in noise reduction and brake performance.

3. Overnight Moisture and Surface Rust

If your brakes only squeal first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for a while, the culprit could be overnight moisture. This issue is especially common in Melbourne between November and December, when humidity levels tend to rise.

When your car is exposed to excess humidity, a thin layer of surface rust can form on the brake rotors. So, when you first drive off and press the brake pedal, the pads scrape against this rust layer, producing a high-pitched sound.

This is generally harmless and often disappears after a few stops, as the rust gets worn away through normal use.

How do you minimise this?

Try parking your car in a garage or covered area, especially during rainy or humid weather.

4. Aggressive or Improper Braking Style

Your driving habits can affect your brake health. Frequent hard braking, especially at high speeds or downhill, generates excessive heat that can cause the surface of your brake pads to become “glazed.”

Glazing is when your pad material becomes overly smooth and hardened from heat, reducing its ability to create friction with the rotor.

This results in reduced braking efficiency, a noticeable squeak, and in some cases, even cracking or chipping of the pads.

Glazing can also occur if the brake caliper malfunctions, causing the pads to remain in contact with the rotor even when the brakes aren’t engaged. In terms of how the callipers might malfunction, this can be due to a seized piston or slide pins – all issues that can arise from dust or corrosion.

If you notice your brakes squeaking and they’re not as effective as before, we definitely recommend seeing a mechanic ASAP. You could very easily get into an accident if your brakes slow down and you’re not able to stop your car in time.

The only way to fix this would be to have your glazed pads replaced. It’s also worth adjusting your braking habits to avoid excessive heat buildup in the future.

5. Inferior or Noisy Brake Pad Materials

Sometimes, your brakes squeak simply because of the type of material used in the pads. Semi-metallic brake pads, which are very common, contain varying amounts of metal, like steel, iron, or copper, which can cause a squeal when they come into contact with the rotors.

While these pads are affordable and effective for most vehicles, they do tend to be noisier, especially when new.

If you find the noise distracting (which we understand), consider switching to ceramic brake pads. Ceramic pads are generally quieter, cleaner, and longer-lasting, though they come at a higher cost – their starting cost is around $80 in Melbourne.

On the other hand, organic pads are the most affordable but offer less durability and generate more dust.

6. Lack of Lubrication in Drum Brakes

For vehicles that house drum brakes typically on the rear wheels, a squeal can be from a lack of lubrication at key contact points.

Inside a drum brake, the brake shoes press outward against the drum to slow the vehicle.

When the points where the shoes rest against the backing plate aren’t properly greased, metal-on-metal friction can create a sharp squeaking sound. “This is a relatively simple issue to fix but can cause unnecessary stress and noise if neglected. At our garage, we fix this by applying high-temperature brake grease to the necessary contact points.”, says Dilshan. 

If you’re comfortable doing this yourself, it’s a quick job that can be done during routine maintenance, but for most drivers, it’s best left to a professional – working with the brake system requires a level of precision that you might not have.

7. Poor Installation or Faulty Components

Even brand-new brakes can squeak if they weren’t installed correctly. Misaligned pads, improperly torqued hardware, or missing shims can all lead to squeaky brakes. 

In some cases, aftermarket parts may not be a perfect fit for your vehicle’s system, leading to excess vibration or uneven wear when you’re on the road. 

If you’ve recently had a brake job and noticed the squealing noise started afterward, it could be due to an installation issue or a mismatch in part quality. 

8. Environmental and Road Conditions

Weather plays a surprising role in brake noise. Cold weather can cause brake components to contract slightly, increasing the chance of squealing until the system warms up. Road salt, grime, and slush from winter driving can also build up on rotors and pads, introducing friction points that produce sound. Similarly, wet conditions may wash away lubricants, increasing the chances of squeaking. 

While these environmental effects often resolve themselves as conditions change, they can temporarily mask more serious problems. If your brakes are consistently noisy regardless of weather, it’s worth having a closer inspection to rule out deeper issues.

9. Infrequent Brake Servicing

One of the most overlooked cause of brake squealing is simply a lack of regular maintenance. Brakes are exposed to high heat, pressure, and debris every time you drive. Over time, without cleaning, inspection, and proper servicing, small issues like uneven pad wear, loose hardware, or rust buildup can start to create noise, and escalate into much larger problems.

Regularly getting your brakes checked – ideally every 10,000 to 15,000 miles (a good rule of thumb would be every 6 months) – can help catch these issues early and ensure your braking system stays in best possible condition.

Is It Safe to Drive With Squeaky Brakes?

If your brakes only squeak first thing in the morning or after a bit of rain, it’s usually just surface rust or moisture on the rotors – pretty normal in Melbourne’s humid climate during the winter months. This usually clears up after a few stops.

But if that squealing won’t quit and your brakes don’t feel as sharp as they should, you might be dealing with glazing. That’s when the pads get overheated and harden, meaning they can’t grip the rotors properly. This seriously cuts your stopping power and could put you at risk of an accident, especially if you need to stop quick in busy traffic.

What Can Cause Brake Squealing When Pads Are in Good Conditions?

How Do I Stop My Brakes From Squeaking at Low Speeds?

If your brakes making a squealing sound when slowing down, a common reason is a thin layer of rust on the rotors, especially after rain. When the pads make contact, it causes that noise, which usually goes away after a few stops.

FAQ

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What is Anti-Squeal Tape?

What is the Best Way to Lubricate Brakes?

Stop the Squeal – Book Your Brake Check Today and Save 15%

That squealing sound isn’t just annoying: it’s a sign your automotive brakes need a proper check.

From rust build-up to worn pads, our expert team will diagnose the issue fast and get you back on the road safely.

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