Why are my brakes squeaking? Causes and what to do
The short answer
A squeak or squeal when you brake is most often the wear indicator on the pads telling you they're getting low, so it usually means a pad change is due soon. A light squeak first thing in damp weather that clears after a few stops is normal. A constant squeal, or a grinding noise, means get the brakes checked without delay.
Brakes are the one thing on a car you can't afford to ignore, so it's worth knowing which noises are harmless and which are the car asking for attention.
Common causes and what they mean
A few things could be behind it. Here's what each usually points to, and how serious it is.
Worn brake pads
Most squeals are the metal wear indicator scraping the disc on purpose to warn you the pads are near the end. Time for new pads.
Surface rust or damp
A light squeak on the first few stops of a damp morning is just surface rust wearing off the discs. It clears quickly and is nothing to worry about.
Glazed pads or discs
Overheated pads can glaze over and squeal. Often sorted with new pads and a proper bed-in.
Cheap or worn hardware
Missing anti-squeal shims or poor-quality pads can vibrate and squeal even when there's life left in them.
Grit or a stone trapped
A bit of debris caught between pad and disc can squeal or scrape. Usually clears, but worth a look if it persists.
Is it dangerous to drive with squeaking brakes?
An occasional squeak with brakes that still stop the car well is not an emergency, but it's a sign to get them checked soon. If the squeal is constant, or it turns into a grinding or scraping noise, the pads may be worn down to metal and cutting into the discs, so stop driving far and get them looked at, as leaving it turns a cheap pad change into a pricier pads-and-discs job.
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