Why is your car making a grinding noise while braking?
An example of a worn brake pad.
Most modern cars use brake pads and rotors (also known as brake discs) to reduce vehicle movement when the brake pedal is applied. Brake rotors help your car to stop by pressing against the brake pads. This creates friction which slows your wheels down. When a problem occurs in your car’s braking system, the car may produce loud grinding noises when the brakes are used.
If you notice a grinding noise coming from your brakes, we recommend that you get your car inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Grinding noises from your brakes should not be ignored. This is because they can lead to problems and failure within your braking system. A brake failure can prevent your car from being able to stop in time, resulting in huge safety risks.
Why is brake safety important?
Causes of brake grinding noise:
There are several things that can cause your car’s brakes to produce a grinding noise. These include:
- Worn brake pads – Brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 km. As the brake pads become worn, the lining will begin to fall off. This will cause the metal from beneath the brake pad to grind against the brake rotor. As the parts grind against each other, they will wear down very quickly. This means that they will need to be replaced if the problem is left for too long. Brake pad replacement in Hamilton >
- Wear indicator touching brake rotor – Many brake pads will have a wear indicator which will produce a loud squeaking/grinding noise when the brake pads are due for replacement. If you hear this, you should get your brake pads replaced before the problem becomes worse.
- Worn brake rotors/discs – The brake rotors can also wear out eventually. This can lead to the brake pads pushing against an uneven surface and creating a loud grinding noise.
- Debris stuck in brakes – Sometimes, debris such as small stones can find their way into your car’s brakes. As these debris make contact with your brakes, they will create friction which will result in a loud grinding noise.
My brakes are making a grinding noise when applied. Is it safe to drive?
If your brakes are making a grinding noise when applied, it is generally not safe to continue driving the vehicle without addressing the issue. Grinding noises from the brakes typically indicate that the brake pads have worn down completely and are now metal-on-metal contact with the brake rotors. This can cause significant damage to the braking system and compromise your ability to stop the vehicle effectively.
Driving with grinding brakes can lead to several problems, including:
- Reduced braking performance: The loss of brake pad material means that there is no longer sufficient friction to stop the vehicle efficiently. This can significantly increase your stopping distance and compromise your ability to brake safely, especially in emergency situations.
- Brake rotor damage: The metal-on-metal contact between the brake pads and rotors can cause severe damage to the rotors. The grinding can wear down the rotors unevenly or create grooves, requiring more extensive repairs or even rotor replacement.
- Other various safety issues: In addition to reduced braking performance, the grinding noise can indicate a serious brake issue. It’s possible that other components, such as calipers or brake hardware, may also be damaged or malfunctioning. Continuing to drive in this condition can put your safety at risk and increase the chances of a brake system failure.
Brake Grinding Noise – Inspection and Diagnostics in Hamilton
Are your car’s brakes making loud noises? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our experienced mechanics can quickly diagnose the cause of your brakes grinding. We can then provide excellent brake services that you can rely on. Whether it’s a brake pad replacement, brake rotor replacement or brake pad clean, we are happy to help.
For brake inspections and replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!