Why Does My Back Wheel Squeak When I Back Up

4 Reasons Your Brakes Might Squeak on Your Vehicle

Sep 14, 2017

brakes might squeak

Have you noticed that your Honda's brakes are squeaking? While this might cause some panic, sometimes this concern is warranted and other times it's not. In fact, some brake noise is considered normal. How so? From different road conditions to weather to semi-metallic brake pads, all are factors that can cause high-pitched brake noise. So how can you tell if your brakes are going bad or not? Below we've listed some causes of squeaky brakes and how you can help to fix it.

1. Your Honda's Brake Pads Are Worn Out

bad brake pads

This reason is actually the most common. While that ear-piercing squeak can be quite annoying, it serves as a great warning sign before real danger occurs. When your Honda's brake pads are thinning out, it means that a metal wear indicator is exposed on the brake pad. This exposure produces a squealing sound, letting you know that the brake pads either need attention or replacing. While brake pads aren't something that you can check regularly, as soon as you hear this squeal, it's important to call our Service Department.

2. There Is a High Metal Count in Your Brakes

brake metal count

Normally, brake pads contain metal, but certain brands are manufactured with more metal. If your Honda is built with these, you more often than not will hear your brakes squeaking on a regular basis. Why? The large metal chunks are pressed against the rotor, causing this noise. While this high-pitched squeak can be quite annoying, we recommend opting for more expensive brake pads. Buying brake pads that contain more organic brake material, such as resin or rubber, will help to cut the normal squeaking noise of brakes.

3. There is a Loose Part in the Braking System

loose part braking system

Did you know that your Honda's braking system has many different parts and components? If the disc brake, rotors, calipers, or hoses become loose, they can cause squeak-like sounds. The fix for this is simple. Any of those parts might need to be cleaned, lubricated, or adjusted, which can be uncovered and properly adjusted in a brake inspection.

4. The Weather Conditions Aren't Ideal

tires in bad weather

Yes, that's right. Weather can actually play a factor in squeaky brakes. For instance, rain, snow, and even humidity can cause condensation to form on the rotors, thus creating a squeaking sound. If that's the case, this noise will stop after your brakes have warmed up (usually about five minutes after you're Honda has been running). How can you prevent this weather-related squeaking? You can park your Honda in either a garage or climate-controlled enclosed area.

With brakes being one of the most important safety features in your Honda, it's important to make sure that they are in good working order. Not sure if your brakes need a tuning? The technicians in our Service Department are pros at putting a stop to any potential brake problem. Call us today!

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