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Brakes allow you to control the speed of your vehicle… They give you the ability to maneuver safely through traffic. Without them functioning properly, you would struggle to slow down or stop the vehicle effectively. This lack of effective braking can compromise your road safety. Fortunately, there are a few signs you can look for if you suspect that the braking system of your BMW is not functioning as it should. Today’s blog post is about one such sign- the emergence of a squeaking noise when the brake pedal is pressed.
What Causes Brakes To Squeak?
If you hear strange squeaking sounds every time you apply the brakes, it could be due to one of the following reasons;
- Worn brake pads: If you are hearing squeaking noise when pressing the brake pedal, it could be due to the fact that the brake pads are worn down. Brake pads installed in your BMW have small metal tabs embedded within the pad material, known as wear indicators. As the brake pads wear down over time, these indicators will become exposed. These exposed metal tabs will rub against the rotors when brakes are applied, generating a squeaking noise.
- Moisture or rust: Rusty brake rotors can also cause your BMW brakes to become squeaky. Rotors are nothing but metal discs against which brake pads get pressed when the brakes are applied. Friction generated due to this process is what decelerates your vehicle. Accumulation of moisture and mud over time can cause these metal discs to become rusty. Corrosion can cause their surfaces to become rough and uneven. When the brake pads engage with these rust-ridden rotors, a squeaking sound will emerge.
- Foreign objects: All major components of your BMW’s braking system, including the brake rotors, pads, and mounting hardware, are securely mounted to the wheel hub. Since they are close to the road surface, small rocks and road debris can become lodged between the brake pads and rotors. This is something that can result in the emergence of squeaking, grinding, and scraping noises when the brake pedal is pressed. Not removing those foreign objects can contribute to premature wear of key braking system components.
- Worn brake hardware: Caliper clips, shims, and other key components of your BMW’s braking system can wear out over time due to exposure to heat, moisture, and harsh road conditions. These are among the components that play a crucial role in transferring the braking force from the brake pedal to the pads. If they cease functioning due to some reason, your vehicle’s braking efficiency will reduce significantly. And, yes… you might hear squeaking noise every time you press the brake pedal.
How Ignoring Squeaky Brakes Can Lead To Further Damage
If you’re hearing a strange squeaky noise every time you hit the brake pedal, don’t take it lightly. Here’s a detailed explanation of how ignoring such a noise can impact your BMW’s performance characteristic and road safety.
Reduced braking efficiency
The emergence of a squeaky noise when the brake pedal is pressed often points to brake pad wear. Worn brake pads won’t be able to make proper contact with the rotors. This loss of contact can result in decreased braking efficiency. This delay in braking response can put your road safety in jeopardy- especially when the situation demands quick reactions.
Safety risks
Brakes allow you to perform tricky driving maneuvers without putting others’ safety at risk. They gives you the ability to control speed of your vehicle. It is therefore important that you check your BMW’s key braking system components every now and then. If you notice any deformities in any of your braking system components, have them replaced without a second thought.
Increased repair costs
If your BMW’s braking efficiency has declined significantly, have its key component checked by certified professionals. Because if you don’t… the issue can escalate into a more extensive repair job. For instance, if you don’t replace your worn brake pads on time, they can cause damage to other components of the braking system such as rotors and calipers.
Fix Your BMW’s Squeaky Brakes At European Service Center
Brakes are an essential safety feature in every vehicle, not just BMWs. If you hear squeaky or similar noises every time you apply the brakes, don’t think of it as a trivial issue. Addressing such issues promptly can save you money in the long run. If you are in Alpharetta, Norcross, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Cumming, Buckhead, Duluth, Roswell, Atlanta, GA, or in Houston & Dallas, TX, reach out to us at European Service Center to have your BMW’s squeaky brakes repaired by our team of ASE-certified technicians. Call us or visit our website to schedule an appointment now.