Why Are My Brakes Squeaking

Your brakes are what slow down and stop your vehicle, making them one of its most crucial parts. You shouldn’t drive on the roads of Macon, GA, or anywhere else without a healthy brake system, which includes the pads and rotors, the fluid, and more. If your car’s brakes are squealing or squeaking, see the potential causes, how to protect your brake system, and when to have your brakes serviced in this guide.

What Are Some Common Causes for Brake Squeaking?

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Brake pads may deteriorate over time and lose their capacity to squeeze silently against the wheel rotors. If excess material is lost, the brake pad’s metal backing plate rubs against the braking rotor, causing a squeaking sound. If your pads run out of material completely, you’ll hear worse sounds, such as scraping. Worn-down, thin pads are most likely the reason your brakes are squealing, but here are some other possible causes:

• Unclean/corroded brake pads:  Healthy, thick brake pads can produce harsh, high-pitched noises if they are corroded or have debris on them. In such cases, you may be able to clean the pads rather than having to replace them.
• Glazed brake pads:  Glazing occurs when brake pads get too hot, which causes the material to solidify and shine. If this happens, your brake pads may not be able to properly grasp the rotor properly.
• Inferior brake pads:  Brake squeaking might also be the result of installing low-quality, cheap brake pads. Due to subpar materials or manufacturing errors, they might not function as effectively as they should.
• Unsealed brake parts:  One of your brake parts may be loose or out of alignment.
• Faulty anti-rattle clips:  Your brake pads also come with anti-rattle clips, which prevent the pads from vibrating when they squeeze against the rotors.

The sound of squeaking brakes is a warning sign that further investigation is required. It’s critical to have a qualified mechanic inspect your Ford brakes if they’re starting to squeal on some of your stops. You can count on our team at Riverside Ford to diagnose and solve the problem swiftly.

How To Keep Your Brakes Healthy

You can only stay safe on the road by keeping your brakes in good condition. Here are some ways to protect your Ford brake system:

• Stick to the maintenance schedule:  Ford has a suggested maintenance program for each of its models. This program covers regular brake maintenance and inspections, explaining when to get them done.
• Use Ford-branded brake components:   By using authentic Ford brake parts, you can be certain the components will fit your particular Ford model and meet the manufacturer’s quality requirements.
• Drive defensively:  Sudden stops and aggressive driving put significant strain on your brakes and can shorten their life span. Driving defensively can help you avoid intense stops where you need to engage the brake fully.
• Check your brake fluid level:  Your brakes need brake fluid to operate properly. Regularly check your brake fluid level and replenish it as necessary, but keep in mind that you shouldn’t normally need to replenish it much or at all. If you have to re-top the fluid every few weeks, you may have a system leak.
• Don’t overload:  Increased weight on your car might strain the brakes, so try to avoid frequently carrying extra weight or towing a heavy trailer. In particular, never go beyond the recommended weight limits for your vehicle.

These pointers will keep your Ford brakes functional and healthy. At Riverside Ford, we want your car to perform at its peak and keep you safe while driving. You can even get Ford replacement parts and accessories for less. Don’t risk a purchase or service from just anyone — instead, order from us or contact us for assistance.

How To Brake Better and Drive Defensively

Every automobile owner wants their brakes to endure for as long as possible. You can get tips on car care and caring for your brakes when you speak with one of our qualified service specialists. Apart from maintaining a safe following distance, here are some specific tips for braking more lightly and less often:

• Calculate the distance you need to stop and look ahead at the flow of traffic or stop lights, hitting the brake pedal in preparation.
• Lift your foot off the accelerator entirely before pressing the brake pad. Never use both pedals at once.
• Make use of GPS systems, such as Ford’s infotainment system with navigation, to plan your route to avoid traffic jams.
• Use your right foot to press the gas and brake pedals rather than your left foot. The more straightforward angle allows you to limit your braking force more comfortably.
• If you’re driving for extended periods, especially in hot weather, take a pit stop and let your car cool down. Long drives and high ambient temperatures can cause the disc rotors to overheat, negatively impacting the brakes.

Finally, you may have seen recommendations for a tactic called downshifting, which involves manually shifting to a low gear while coasting down a slope. The vehicle will slow down a bit without using the brakes, but you must be moving down a hill and have a manual transmission. Even then, it doesn’t slow you down much, and it doesn’t provide effective stopping power against slippery surfaces, such as ice or oil. Overall, skip downshifting strategies and stick to the tips listed above.

It’s important to pay attention to your brakes if you think they may need to be changed or have been hearing squeaky noises while driving. Although most of the causes of noises associated with your brakes are merely warning signs, they could result in further damage or even brake failure if ignored.

Should I Replace My Brakes?

Call Riverside Ford today to set up a service appointment if you’re concerned about brake squealing, weak stopping power, leaking brake fluid, or any other automobile issues. Our team would be happy to identify your car-care needs and put your mind at ease. We’re proud to service all brands and types of automobiles, including new and pre-owned Ford models.