Why Are My Brakes Squeaking On My New Car? 5 Common Reasons

Last Updated on April 19, 2024

If you’ve just bought a new car, there’s a good chance you’re enjoying the new car smell and the way it drives. But have you noticed that your brakes are making a strange noise, and wondering why are my brakes squeaking on my new car? Don’t worry, it’s fairly normal.

Squeaking noises from the brakes is common as you begin to put miles on a new car. That noise you hear is the brake pads breaking in. Typically, noises from a new car’s brakes will go away after 300-400 miles as the brake pads adjust to being used.

This is because new cars are delivered to the dealership with little to no miles on them. In fact, they often sit on the dealership lot for weeks without being driven. As a result, the brake pads are not fully broken in yet.

Additionally, the brake rotors can become rusty from the moisture in the air. This too creates noises as the vehicle is driven. However, this is nothing to worry about, the brakes will eventually break in and the noises will go away.

If after some miles the squeaking persists, it may be an indication something else is going on. Let’s take a look at all the possible causes for a new car’s brakes to squeak, and if you should be concerned. Let’s jump into this!

Other Possible Reasons for Brakes Squeaking On A New Car

Moisture in the Brakes

If you notice that your new car brakes tend to squeak after a car wash, there’s no need to worry. A mile or two of driving will burn off the moisture from the brake pads. This is completely normal.

However, if your new car has been parked for a few days in the rain or snow, the rotors may of started to develop surface rust. Wet conditions can cause temporary rust build-up on new car brakes, and squeak during the first few seconds of braking.

While it may be annoying, there’s no need to worry – this is perfectly normal. So if you hear a little noise when you first start driving after a storm, don’t panic! It’s just your brakes doing their job.

Sand or Other Similar Debris Have Made it’s Way into the Brakes

Have you driven to the beach lately? It’s possible dirt, sand and dust have made its way between your brake pads and rotors, causing a squeaking noise. These debris should fall out of the brakes after a few miles down the road.

If after a few miles that squeaking noise still persists, run the car through a car wash. After a beach trip, it’s always a good idea to get your car washed. That way, you can get rid of all the sand and salt that can be really tough on your paint job. Plus, it should remove any sand or dirt from the brakes.

A Small Stone Has Made it’s Way into the Brakes

Stones also have a way of making their way into things. It’s possible that some tiny stones have made their way into the car brakes causing the squeaking noise. If your recently driven down a gravel road, although rare, could likely be the cause of the new car brakes squeaking.

When a small stone finds it’s way behind the backing plate that protects the brake rotor, the stone rubs against the rotor. When the brakes are applied, you may hear a squeak or similar noise. 

Further investigation is needed to determine if this is truly the problem.

Are My Brakes Squeaking On My New Car From Heavy Use?

How often are you braking in your new car? Is it something you’re constantly doing? Constant pressure on the brakes and even aggressive stopping can cause your brakes to get really hot. Your brakes can become so hot when you apply constant pressure to the pedal that they will emit an audible squeak or chatter.

Once the brakes cool down, the noises should disappear. But if they don’t, it could be a sign that glazing has occurred. Glazed brakes happen when heat builds up and causes the brakes to harden and not perform as well. This often happens when riding your brakes down a long hill.

If you find that once the car has cooled down, and you still hear a squeak when braking, its time to call the dealership for inspection.

Your New Car Is Equipped with Performance Brakes

Many high-end performance cars often have brake systems that squeak when the brakes are cold. This is because the compound material the brake pads and rotor are made of. It’s this compound makeup of the pad and rotor is what provides maximum braking under hard driving conditions. They work best when they are hot, but often squeak when cold.

This is considered normal, and it is generally not an issue because brake performance compensates for the slightly annoying squeak when cold.  

Final Thoughts

If you’re the proud owner of a new car, there’s something you should know – your brakes are going to make some noise for the first few hundred miles. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal! The brake pads need time to seat against the rotors, and until they do, they may squeak a bit. Just be patient and let them break in, and after a while the sound will go away on its own. In the meantime, enjoy that new-car smell!

Have you had any issues with your new car? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash