As one of the most important safety components of your vehicle, any performance issue with your car brakes is well worth investigating. As the auto repair team at T. Busch Automotive in Jefferson, OH, notes, while most drivers understand squeaky brakes can be an indicator something is wrong, they don’t always know exactly what is causing the unusual sound. Without further ado, here’s a closer look at why your car brakes might be squeaking.

A surprisingly common cause of squeaking occurs when your vehicle is left outside overnight. Dew and condensation naturally collect on the brake rotors during the night, especially if a rainstorm passes through. The result of that moisture is a thin layer of rust that subsequently forms on the rotor and eventually works its way into the brake pad. 

In addition to the squeaking sound, rust accumulation can also cause your car brakes to pulsate or thump. Simply storing your vehicle inside a garage is typically enough to prevent this problem.

Thinning brake pads are the better-known culprit behind squeaking. Most pads have a lifespan of approximately 30,000 to 40,000 miles before they wear out. The squeaking sound you hear is the result of the pads’ wear indicator hitting the rotor to warn you they need to be replaced. 

If you wait too long to replace this important component, you’ll eventually be subjected to louder screeching and grinding sounds, as metal-on-metal contact causes damage to the rotor every time you hit the brakes.

Whether you’re worried about your car brakes or another part, turn to T. Busch Automotive to get your vehicle back in shape. With nearly 50 years in business, their team has continuously provided superior repair work. To learn more about the services offered by this car repair shop, visit them online, or call (440) 576-1971.