Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

If you’ve ever been driving around Traverse City and heard a metallic sound from your car, you probably wondered, “Why are my brakes grinding, and what should I do about it?” The sound of brakes grinding indicates issues that need attention.

While it may be tempting to put off brake repair until your next service appointment, you should know that the National Highway Safety Administration says that faulty brakes could be responsible for as much as 25% of all accidents in Kalkaska and beyond. So if you notice your brakes making a grinding noise, you’ll want to have that addressed. Learn some common causes of brakes grinding here with the service team at Serra Subaru of Traverse City.

Brakes Grinding When Stopping

First, take notice of when you notice your brakes making grinding noises. If your brakes are grinding when stopping, it could be a few things causing it, such as:

• If you hear brakes grinding when stopping or slowing, your brake pads are probably the issue. Over time, brake pads lose their thickness and begin to make a squealing noise – called “brake scrubbing.” You’ll hear a grinding noise as the pads wear down further.
• If there is a sharper grinding noise, it could be your brake disc and calipers, which can also cause a rumble in your brake pedal. It may be time for brake pad replacement or disc or rotor replacement.
• If you hear brakes grinding when stopping completely, it might be the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Your ABS activates when you apply the brakes fully, and it can cause vibrations in the pedal.

Brakes Grinding When Driving

If your brakes make a grinding noise on your drives around Bellaire, it could also just be rocks and debris bouncing off your caliper and rotor. It’s an easy service fix but needs to be resolved quickly to prevent more significant damage. You can attempt to remove the debris yourself if you’re the DIY type, but many Suttons Bay drivers want to have the job done in our service department. You can make a service appointment online.

Schedule Your Next Service Appointment with Serra Subaru of Traverse City

Now that you can answer the question, “Why are my brakes grinding?” you can contact us if we can be of service. We recommend checking our service specials and service tips before you call. We’re here for you!