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Why Are My Brakes Squeaking?

You start your car, head onto the road, press the brake pedal, and then you hear a shrill squeaking. Brake squeaking is a common issue that many drivers experience with their vehicles, and it can be due to many reasons. If you’d like to silence that squeak, there are plenty of steps you can take to ensure your brakes run smoothly.

To help Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego area drivers learn what they can do for their squeaky brakes, our team at Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet Cadillac is here with this guide.
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Squeaking Brakes

Rusty Brake Rotors

One of the most common reasons you may be dealing with squeaking brakes is plain, old rust. When your brake rotors get rusty, you may hear a squeaking sound when you press the brakes.

Rust on your brake rotors isn’t always due to age. It’s not uncommon for a layer of rust to form after a rainstorm. If you haven’t driven your car in a while, finding rust on your brake rotors is also common, but it doesn’t inherently mean that your brake rotors need to be replaced.

Often, the rust is just a thin layer that can be scraped off while you’re driving and making contact with the brake pad. You can also have hard-to-reach rust filed off by a mechanic to help improve your rotor condition. If your rotors are particularly old, though, you should have them replaced soon to improve your brake performance.
Brake Rotor

    Worn Brake Pads

    Another common cause for squeaking brakes is worn-out brake pads. This is because of a metal tab built into your pad, which lets you know when your brake pads are getting low. The metal tab rubs up against the brake rotor and produces a squeaking sound.

    It’s important to make sure you have your brake pads replaced frequently as they can have a direct impact on your safety. Not only do worn brake pads increase your stopping distance, but they can damage your brake rotors over time, decreasing your brake effectiveness.
    Brake Pads

      How to Reduce Brake Wear

      If you’re looking to keep your brakes in good condition for longer, there are several steps you can take. The most important thing to consider is to avoid relying on your brakes too much. Driving down hills and holding your brakes the entire way can wear them down quicker than you may think.

      It’s also a good idea to avoid braking hard unless you have to. It’s important to not press down too hard on your brakes, as you can wear your brakes down quickly if you do this. By giving your brakes some TLC and knowing their limit, you’ll have healthy brakes for years to come.
      Brake Maintenance

        Schedule a Service Appointment With Us Today!

        Every car deserves to be properly maintained, and we’ll help you keep your vehicle running smoothly with the help of our service team. If you’re due for brake maintenance near Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego, schedule a service appointment with Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet Cadillac today!
        Brake Service Center

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