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Periodic brake maintenance is essential to safe driving as the brake system plays a major role in the safety of your vehicle. If you're hearing high-pitched squeaking sounds when applying the brakes, it's important to get your brakes checked out at your local Kia dealer to see if your brakes need repairs. One of these five reasons could be the reason you have squeaking brakes. Why Are My Brakes Squeaking? Worn or Thinning Brake Pads If you hear a squeak from your brakes, a common reason is worn or thinning brake pads. Brake pads squeak when worn down, indicating it's time to get your brakes checked. A metal indicator is built into the brake pad to let you know the pads are at their minimum thickness. You'll need to replace your old pads with new ones to drive safely and stop the noise. more Build Up of Dust and Debris Dust, sand, and debris can build up between the brake pads and rotor, causing friction between them that results in squeaking noises. This dust can be caused by parking a car for extended periods or accumulated road debris. Dust and debris can also be caused by dust from brake pads wearing down. We recommend you bring your vehicle into our service department to inspect your brakes. We can then diagnose the problem and clean any debris and brake dust. Overnight Moisture & High Humidity If you park outside or drive in an area with high humidity, moisture can accumulate on your rotors and cause them to squeak. This added moisture can cause rust and corrosion over time, leading to squeaking noises. Normal driving or cleaning brake rotors will often eliminate the problem. Brake Components Need Lubrication For cars with drum brakes, noises can happen when there isn't enough lubrication between the shoes and the drum. This problem can be solved by lubricating with brake grease. A visual inspection may show signs of scraping where bare metal is visible. Hard Braking & Driving Style The more force you exert on your brakes, the more friction they generate. This friction can cause the brake pads to rub against the rotor, leading to vibrations. If you drive with hard and frequent stops, your pads may be worn down and need replacing. This problem is more common if you drive a lot on rough roads or in bad weather conditions. When this happens, the metal backing plate for the brake pad rubs against the rotor and causes friction that creates noise and wear on both parts. Get Your Car’s Brakes Serviced at Our Kia Dealership If you're noticing brake noises, it may indicate that your brakes need maintenance or a replacement. Stop by DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills and have your brakes checked out by one of our certified technicians. We will diagnose the problem and get you safely back on the road right away! Need to get a service booked for your Kia car or SUV? We welcome you to schedule an appointment by clicking here.