Your vehicle’s braking system is extremely important, and you should never ignore any unusual noises coming from the discs and pads. While those noises aren’t necessarily a sign that your brakes are nearing the end of their lifespan, there could be a few mechanical issues that you need to take care of.
Change the Pad Material
You might be surprised to hear that there are actually many different types of brake pads, and each material has its own pros and cons. If your vehicle is relatively new and you are still using the original brake pads, then you should consider upgrading to ceramic brake pads. In most cases, ceramic brake pads are going to be much quieter than semi-metallic brake pads, but you will have to replace them more often.
Clean the Brakes
In some cases, brakes become noisy because too much grime has accumulated on the pistons, calipers, and pads. Before you attempt to work on your brake pads, you must carefully read the instructions on the cleaning product that you are going to use. Some brake cleaners are only meant for very specific materials, and using those products incorrectly could be incredibly dangerous. You should also work in a well-ventilated area because most of those cleaners are highly toxic.
Insert Shims
Many companies now make Teflon shims that can easily be installed next to the brake pads. The primary purpose of a shim is to minimize noise by dampening the vibrations that travel through the brake system. Installing brake shims is a relatively easy project that should take you no more than a few hours as long as you have all of the correct tools and a little bit of experience working on vehicles.
Have the Brake Fluid Flushed
If you have tried these few steps and are still having problems, then you might need to have the brake fluid flushed. While you can easily add more brake fluid at home, a full flush should only be carried out by an experienced mechanic who offers basic car repair services. Flushing the brake fluid requires specialty tools, and you could end up doing permanent damage to the system if you don’t have that equipment.
As a general rule, you should always head to a mechanic as soon as you notice any problems with your vehicle’s brakes. Most minor brake issues can easily be taken care of in a matter of hours, and your mechanic will have you back on the road before you know it.
