Do Your Squeaky Brakes Need a Replacement or Just a Good Cleaning?

Posted: Jun 02, 2014
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

You’ve all heard it-- the squeaky sound of the car beside you, behind you, or in front of you as the brakes are applied at a red light. And you think to yourself, “Why don’t they just get their brakes fixed?” But then your brakes start squeaking, and you know you should get them checked, but you don’t have time, or money is tight right now, or something else comes up and you forget that you wanted to take care of that until you realize you are the car next to, behind, or in front of someone else, and they are wondering why you don’t just get your brakes fixed.

There are several things that can cause squeaky brakes. One is a buildup of dust. In dry, desert areas, this is very often the problem. When the dust builds up and cakes on the brakes, they will emit that high-pitched squeal, even if they are in great shape. So before you run off to find out why your new brakes are making awful noises, try getting under there with a hose. Spray down the tires and get the built-up dirt off the brakes so they can do their job properly and without an ear-piercing noise.

If you give your tires a good cleaning, and they are still making noises, then it’s time to take them in to an auto repair shop to be checked. If it’s not dirt, then it’s a good indication that the brake pads are being worn down and the metal pieces are rubbing against each other. So before you rush off to pay for new brakes, be sure to clean behind your tires and see if you’re mistaking the noise you hear from dirty brakes with the noise you hear from bad brakes.

For replacement or service on brakes in Hickory NC, visit us at Country Town Tire and Auto Service Center. We are a full-service auto shop with ASE-qualified mechanics. Give us a call today.