Willoughby Hills Auto Repair advises that your brakes should not squeal all the time. If they are squealing every time you use them, there’s a problem in the brake system that needs to be addressed right away. Bear in mind, one of these problems can actually cause you to lose the ability to use your brakes, and we never want that to happen to you.
Insulation
When assembled in the factory, brake pads come with insulation to prevent the brakes from squealing each time you use them. When the brake pads are replaced, the insulation needs to be replaced, as well. If the insulation is not replaced, your brakes will squeal. Fixing this problem is simple in that once the insulation is installed, the brakes should stop squealing. If they don’t, there’s another problem.
Overheating
Overheating brakes squeal all the time and this is the instance that can cause you to be unable to slow down and stop your automobile. When the brakes get too hot, the pads and rotors glaze and they can no longer generate the kinetic energy needed to stop your car. Brake fluid can also boil at high temperatures and this, too, will prevent you from being able to stop your automobile. Your brakes should never overheat. If they do, you’ve got a problem.
Pads
The brake pads can squeal when they wear down to the point of a sensor that makes them squeal to alert you that you need to replace the brake pads. Your brakes will also squeal if the pads are too low. Generally, the brake pads need to be replaced every 30,000 miles. If you haven’t had your pads replaced in a long time, they could be squealing because they have no life left.
Rotors
Finally, your rotors can squeal if they aren’t cut properly. Rotor surfaces are cut to help generate friction with the brake pads. Over time, the rotor surface wears down because the brake pads press against the rotors every time you apply the brakes. Squealing brakes indicate that your rotor surfaces may need to be recut so that they will start generating friction again when you need them to. Generally, rotor surfaces need to be recut every 60,000 miles.
Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, can find out why your brakes squeal all the time. Call our shop to schedule an appointment for a brake inspection, which we recommend you have every 12,000 miles. This ensures that your braking system is always operating as it should be.