Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

If you’ve been hearing an unpleasant metallic sound when you use your brakes while out and about in Matthews, it’s probably because your brakes are grinding. “Why are my brakes grinding?”, you ask? There are several reasons why the brakes could be making a grinding noise, which we’ll dive into in the guide below. 

No matter what you think is going on, you should schedule brake service without delay. The last thing any driver wants is an unexpected trip down the service lane, but your brake system is not something that can be ignored—take it from the NHTSA, which estimates that faulty brakes are to blame for 25% of road accidents. 

Are Your Brakes Grinding When Stopping? 

In order to determine why your brakes are grinding, you must first establish when it’s happening. If the brakes are grinding when stopping, here are some common potential causes:

• If the brakes are making a grinding noise when you’re stopping or slowing, the brake pads may need attention. Brake pads grow thinner over time, which eventually causes a squealing sound known as “brake scrubbing.” If the pads are left to get even thinner, the squealing will turn into a grinding noise. 
• Does the brake grinding noise have a sharper quality? This could indicate a problem with your brake disc and calipers. If this is the case, you might also feel a rumble in the brake pedal while pressing it. In addition to a disc or rotor replacement, you may also need to get a brake pad replacement to remedy this problem. 
• Hearing the brakes grinding when you’re initiating a full force stop? Your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) may need an inspection. The ABS activates when the brakes are applied at full force, sometimes causing the brake pedal to vibrate. 

Are Your Brakes Grinding When Driving?

Are your brakes making a grinding noise while you’re driving in Waxhaw? It may sound odd, but sometimes you can hear the brakes making a grinding noise when you’re not even using the brakes. Often, this is caused by rocks and debris rolling around and bouncing off the brake caliper and rotor. Fortunately, this issue is easily fixed, but you definitely don’t want to wait too long. If there are rocks and debris, it can damage the brakes, and your service questions will become a lot more complicated than “Why are my brakes grinding?” 

How to Take Care of Your Brakes

Every driver would like to avoid their brakes grinding when stopping. Below are some of our top tips to have healthy, long-lasting brakes:

• Your brakes and brake pads should be inspected once per year.
• Check the brake fluid once per year. If it looks dark, bring your car in for an inspection to see if the fluid needs to be flushed.
• In addition to listening for odd sounds like the brakes making a grinding noise, take note when your brakes feel “off.” If your brakes feel soft or spongy, it’s time to head down the service lane.
• Go easy on your brakes in Monroe. Coast to a stop and avoid slamming down on the brake pedal whenever you can.
• Talk to our parts experts to ensure you have the best brakes for your car.

Schedule Brake Service with Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe

If you’re ready to put the question of “Why are my brakes grinding?” to rest, the service center at Hendrick Chevrolet Monroe can help. We’re conveniently located near Weddington, and we offer flexible hours, so you can always find an appointment that suits your schedule. With any related questions about brake service, like how brakes work or how long they should last, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at your convenience to start a conversation!