By Dave Neer

Owner of Solomon’s Garage

Q: “Why do my brakes squeak when they seem to be working just fine?”

A: This is a question we hear quite a bit at the shop. And honestly, brakes can be a little like that one annoying smoke detector that starts chirping at 2:00 in the morning. Sometimes it’s trying to tell you something important, and sometimes it just wants your attention.

Brake squeaking is often caused by vibration between the brake pad and rotor. It can happen because of brake dust, moisture, surface rust, temperature changes, or simply the type of material used in the brake pads. If your car sits outside overnight, you may hear some noise for the first few stops while the surface rust gets cleaned off the rotors. This is perfectly normal.

Cold weather can make things even noisier. And here in Ohio, we have plenty of opportunities for our brakes to experience cold, moisture, salt and just about everything else Mother Nature and the snowplows can throw at them.

But here’s the important part: just because your brakes still stop the car doesn’t mean everything is perfect.

Brake pads can wear unevenly, rotors can develop problems, calipers can start sticking, and brake hardware can become rusty or seized. Sometimes the first thing you notice is a squeak.

The first step is a simple brake inspection. We can check the pads, rotors, calipers and hardware and determine whether that squeak is just an annoyance or something that needs attention. At our shop, we perform this courtesy inspection each time you bring your car in for service.

But we can also go a step further with a complete brake disassembly, cleaning and lubrication service. This can be especially beneficial here in Ohio, where our vehicles are subject to plenty of corrosive road salt in the winter. That salt can cause brake components and hardware to rust and stick.

A good preventative brake service can help keep everything moving the way it should, reduce uneven and premature brake wear, and in many cases help your brakes last for several years.

So if your brakes are squeaking, don’t panic—but don’t just turn up the radio and pretend you didn’t hear them, either.

Sometimes your car is warning you. Sometimes it’s just complaining. Either way, it’s worth having someone take a look.

Until next time, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down!

Sincerely, Dave Neer of Solomon's Garage, located at 122 S. Detroit St. in West Liberty.

Have a question for the mechanic? Send it to [email protected]. You might see it answered in next week’s “Ask the Mechanic.”

Call Dave and Katie at (937) 887-0029 for questions or to schedule an appointment for your vehicle. Visit https://www.solomonsgarage.com/ for more information.■