Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Brakes, steering and handling
Squeaking brakes: what could be the cause?
Squeaking brakes are a common signal. Sometimes the cause is harmless, such as moisture or dirt. Sometimes the noise points to worn brake pads. A grinding or metallic sound is a clearer warning than a light squeak.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- A high-pitched squeak when braking lightly, which sometimes goes away after a few stops
- A grinding or metallic sound every time you brake
- The noise comes from one wheel or one axle
- The car brakes less strongly, or you feel vibrations
- The brakes squeak mainly in cold or damp weather, or when the brakes are warm
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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Worn brake pads
Many brake pads have a wear indicator that squeaks when there is little material left. It is meant as a warning.
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Moisture, dust or dirt
After rain or a night outside, a light squeak can occur and disappear after a few stops.
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Glazed or damaged brake pads or discs
Heat or uneven wear can make the surface smooth or uneven, which can cause noise and weaker braking.
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A sticking brake caliper
A caliper that does not release properly makes one pad rub constantly. That causes noise, heat and wear.
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Fitting or quality differences
After a replacement, pads of a different type or missing lubricant on the contact surfaces can cause noise.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
With a light squeak that comes and goes and a car that brakes normally, you can usually keep driving until your appointment. Allow for a longer stopping distance and keep a careful lookout. If the brakes grind with a metallic sound, the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels different, drive as little as possible and have them checked quickly.
Book an appointmentBook an appointment
At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Measuring the thickness and condition of the brake pads and discs
- Checking the calipers for seizing and free movement
- Assessing the brake fluid
- Looking for the source of the noise, sometimes in the suspension too
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Check soon
Car vibrates when braking
A vibration that only occurs while braking often points to the brakes themselves, for example brake discs that are no longer smooth and even. The suspension or wheels can also play a part, so it is worth checking the whole chain. Read the explanation -
Stop safely
Brake pedal feels soft or sinks
A brake pedal that feels soft, goes down a long way or slowly sinks under steady pressure points to a problem in the braking system. It can lie in the hydraulic system or in the assistance for the pedal. Because brakes are safety-critical, this is not a signal to ignore. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car pulls to the left or right
A car that drifts to one side without you steering it rarely has just one possible cause. Tyre pressure, wear, brakes and suspension can all play a part. It helps to know whether it happens when driving straight, when braking or when accelerating. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car failed its test: what now?
A fail is annoying, but it is usually easy to follow: the test report states which defects were found. The aim is to have those defects repaired and then have the car tested again. The rules and deadlines that apply are shown on the test certificate itself. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.