What’s worse than driving around Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Newport Beach with squeaking brakes? At Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore Irvine, we’d say there’s nothing worse. That’s why we wrote this article: We want to help you get to the root of the issue.
Have you ever wondered, “Why are my brakes squeaking?” Keep reading to discover the answer!
What’s Causing Those Gosh-Darned Squeaking Brakes?
Here’s an overview of four common reasons that your automobile’s brakes might be squeaking when driving. Three of the reasons deal with disc brakes, and one of the reasons has to do with drum brakes. Read on!
1. Moisture: The brakes are squeaking because the vehicle sat out overnight. This only applies to disc brakes. If you don’t store your car in either a garage or some other climate-controlled environment, moisture will collect on the brake rotors. This is due to factors like rain, dew, humidity, and condensation. This moisture will cause rust, which the pads will scrape off the rotors as the brake turns. This rust will get caught in the brake pad, making it squeak and squeak and squeak.
2. Thin pads: The brakes are squeaking because of thinning pads. This only applies to disc brakes. When the brake pads start to wear out and get thin, their wear indicators will start to poke through. These are small steel tabs that the manufacturer installs under the brake pads. It’s a friendly (and squeaky!) way of reminding you that you need to get your brake pads replaced ASAP.
3. Metallic pads: The brakes are squeaking because of high metal content in the pads. This only applies to disc brakes. It only applies to disc brakes that are made with cheap brake pads, as they usually have a high metal content. To avoid this issue, you should only use top-quality brake pads that are produced with organic materials, such as resin, rubber, Kevlar®, fiber, etc.
4. Unlubricated brakes: The brakes are squeaking because they need to be lubricated. This only applies to drum brakes. In this case, the shoe-to-backing-plate contact points are dry, and they’re starting to rust. Like the situation outlined in the first bullet point, this will cause a rhythmic squeak every time the wheel goes ‘round. Use a high-temperature anti-seize lube to fix it.

car mechanic examining car wheel brake disc and shoes of lifted automobile at repair service station
Is It Dangerous if Your Brakes Are Squeaking?
No, it’s not really dangerous. But it’s incredibly annoying. You don’t have to live with this awful noise.
How to Fix Squeaking Brakes
Although you might be capable of fixing those squeaky brakes on your own, we recommend that you bring your vehicle to a professional. The team of expert automotive technicians at our world-renowned Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore Irvine Service Center can help! They can fix just about anything.
Stop Squeaking Brakes at Norm Reeves Volkswagen Superstore Irvine
To stop squeaking brakes on your car, simply call us, chat with us online, fill out a form, or stop by our service center to schedule brake service today.