Squealing Belts and Brakes – What Do They Mean?
Hearing an unexpected noise from your car is always stressful, especially when it’s coming from a critical component like your brakes or one of the belts in your engine. Squealing brakes can be normal, but they can also indicate a problem with your vehicle.
So how can you tell between harmless sounds and severe warning signs? Knowing how the belts and brake components in your car work can help you determine when to head to a mechanic and when to keep on driving.
An affordable car insurance plan can help you out if your car is damaged in an accident, but you’re on your own when it comes to automotive maintenance costs. Identifying problematic squeaks and squeals is one of the best ways to save money and keep a small problem from turning into a big one. Read Freeway’s guide to squeaky brakes and belts below to get started.
What Do Car Brakes Do?
Your car’s brake system allows you to slow down your vehicle by creating friction, which involves pressing its brake pads against its rotors. As these two components rub together, they inevitably wear down. Because brake pads are designed to wear down slowly, you don’t have to be concerned about a bit of brake dust. However, you should be aware of signs that it’s time to replace your pads or brake rotors, such as significant squeaking.
Reasons for Squeaky Brakes
Squeaking occurs when something rubs against your brake rotors at a high frequency. Sometimes, it’s just brake dust, moisture, the normal texture of your brakes, or components from your anti-lock braking system. In other cases, it’s a sign your brake pads are getting too worn. There are a few main reasons you might have squeaking or squealing brakes:
Worn-Down Brakes
Modern brakes have a metal wear indicator on the brake pads to alert you when they are wearing down. A small piece of metal built into the base of the pad will start poking through as the top of the pad wears away. The exposed metal from the brake pad wear indicator creates a high-pitched screech to let you know it’s time to take your car in for automotive maintenance.
New Brake Pads May Squeak Initially
When you get new brake pads, you might hear some squeaking and squealing. It takes some time for the surface of the rotors and the brake pads to adjust to one another. After a few hundred miles, you can expect the initial new-brake sounds to go away.
Cold Weather Effects
You might also notice that your brakes suddenly get squeaky after a cold, rainy day. Moisture can create a thin layer of rust on your rotors. The debris from the rust will cause a squealing sound until the rust wears off as you drive.
High-Performance Brakes
A high-performance brake system may squeak more than standard brakes. High-performance brake pads are often made from a more rigid material that will squeak a bit more until the brakes reach optimal operating temperatures.
What Do Car Belts Do?
Car belts use rotation to transfer energy from your car’s engine to other components and accessories. There are multiple types of car belts, but the main two are the timing belt and the serpentine belt, also known as an S-belt or drive belt. Other types include fan belts and alternator belts.
Like your brakes, a belt that wears down can make a squealing sound. That said, it can still be functional and last much longer in many cases. However, it’s essential to inspect it before you end up stranded or damage your engine, especially if it’s a loud, ongoing noise that happens frequently when you drive.
Understanding Squeaky Belts
The most common reason for the squeal is that, as the belt approaches the end of its life, it will begin to slip. Though it may still have some grip, the friction and heat generated as the belt slips over the various pulleys that control your fan, water pump, and power steering will cause it to squeal before it lets go.
In some cases, the belt may simply need a dressing or conditioner to remove debris, prevent slippage, and extend its lifespan. However, it’s always best to check out the source of a squeaky belt and see if you need a full replacement.
Serpentine Belt Concerns
The serpentine belt is one long winding strip that connects to multiple components in your car, including the alternator and the air conditioning compressor. If it starts squealing, it could be misaligned, worn down, or lacking sufficient tension. If the belt has visual signs of cracking, fraying, or glazing, it’s time to replace it before your car becomes a safety hazard on the road.
Impact of Belt-Driven Components
The belt itself may not be the root cause of any strange sounds you’re hearing. If one of the engine accessories driven by the belt is having an issue, that component could be at fault. If an engine component is malfunctioning, it could add extra strain to the whole system, so it’s helpful to conduct a thorough inspection of your belt tensioner, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and other connected parts.
Don’t Ignore the Noise! Protect Your Car and Wallet with a Free Quote!
Being able to decode your car’s sounds is a valuable skill that can help you determine when to bring your vehicle into the mechanic and when to hold off. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you can’t think of a reason why your car brakes might be squeaking, or you start hearing a new squeal from your engine, getting a quick inspection can give you peace of mind and catch any issues before they get too serious.
When it comes to investigating strange sounds coming from your brakes and belts, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The same is true for car insurance. Here at Freeway, we know that having the right insurance is essential for avoiding major expenses down the line. Call 800-777-5620, get a quote online, or visit us in person to set up your policy today.
FAQs
Become an expert on your car’s squealing brakes and belts by browsing these common questions and answers:
Is It Safe To Drive With a Squealing Belt?
It may not be safe to drive with a squealing belt for an extended period of time. Sustained squealing often indicates a faulty component that could lead to a breakdown or a more serious mechanical issue. If you hear a deafening squealing sound or a sound that lasts longer than a few seconds, it’s best to head to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Can Switching Brake Pad Types Reduce Squealing?
Yes, switching to a different brake pad style could reduce the frequency or volume of squealing brakes. For example, ceramic pads are designed to minimize vibration and reduce squeaking.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Serpentine Belt?
Serpentine belts typically last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. The exact life expectancy of your S-belt depends on many factors, such as the make and model of your vehicle, your driving habits, and the quality of the component.
Why Is My Car Belt Still Squealing After Changing It?
If you just replaced a belt in your car and it’s still squealing, the sound could be due to misalignment, poor tensioning, or another faulty component in your car. If your belt was correctly installed and there’s no fluid contaminating the area, a defective belt tensioner may be causing the issue.
