On any vehicle, issues can occasionally arise out of thin air. Of course, yearly maintenance checks can give you a chance to prevent future issues, but everyday issues could still occur at any time. One of the many issues might be squeaky brakes, and there are some ways to prevent the noises from happening, depending on if they are brand-new or older. Brake squeaking is likely the result of driving habits or driving conditions. Below we’ll provide a breakdown of the more frequent causes for why your brakes are making noise, how long brake pads should last, and when to replace your vehicle’s brakes.
This may shock you, but one of the reasons for brake squealing is that your brakes are simply too new. Your car’s brake pads may require some more time to get acclimated to the car. In this case, weather conditions can lead to built-up moisture covering your brake pads, and it may take a while to get rid of that moisture. Additionally, how you drive may create some brake squeaking. “Riding” your brakes (keeping your foot on the brakes) or heavy braking may lead to brake noise, even if they are brand-new. If that’s the case, try to brake earlier to help avoid making more heat.
Worn-down brakes are typically the reason you may experience that squeaking as well. Over the years, components on any vehicle will start to wear down due to moisture, driving habits, if it is garaged, and rust. The simple solution is to get them replaced with new ones. However, a shift in the way you drive on the highway could lower the screeching prior to taking the car to the shop.
The lifespan of brakes can run for years, depending on how you drive. Understanding your driving habits is important, as it can help you realize when to replace the brake pads. Brake pads typically last around 25,000 to 65,000 miles, but driving habits play a crucial role. Riding the brakes (when your foot is always on the brake pedal) and hard braking places heat and pressure on your brake pads and could lead to diminishing their life. If screeching begins to occur, you should get them looked at and think about adjusting your driving habits down the line to extend the pad’s lifespan.
If you think your brake pads need to be changed, don’t wait another minute to contact us at Sterling McCall Nissan to schedule a service appointment. Our team of experts will take all of the guesswork out of determining the brake service that your car, truck, SUV, or minivan needs. We proudly service all makes and models of vehicles. Schedule your brake service appointment today.
