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Noisy Brakes? Try These Solutions

Each of us has experienced the high-pitched squeal of a car’s braking assembly. Ideally, the problem is within somebody else’s vehicle; the moment they drive off, so does the noise. When your brakes are the cause, the squeal can rattle your nerves and even make you wonder whether your car is safe to drive. Unfortunately, once the squealing starts, it’s unlikely to go away on its own; you’ll need to either have a mechanic look at your brakes or take a look yourself.

There are a few parts which can cause a noisy braking assembly. If you’d like to investigate the problem at home, you’ll need to look at your car’s pads, rotors, calipers, and mounts. Below, I’ll give you a quick overview regarding the roles these parts can play in producing the squeal.

When The Pads Are The Problem

If the pads are not fitted properly in the calipers, they can easily become loose. Some of them come with clips or other locking mechanisms that help them stay in place while you’re driving. If these clips are not fastened, a vibration can be caused between the pads and calipers.

You might consider putting an insulator shim between the parts. They usually stick directly to the backside of the pad and create a thin cushion. You can also spray a special chemical on the pads which suppresses the noise. You can buy this chemical at most auto supply stores, but keep in mind that it’s mostly a short-term solution.

When The Calipers Are The Problem

If the calipers on your car become worn, they can cause a vibration against the mounts. If that happens, you should replace them. Having said that, you can also remove and clean them to prevent them from making noise. Before putting them back onto mounts, use a lubricating solution that can help dampen any vibrations. Also, keep in mind that worn calipers may simply not fit well anymore. You may need to replace the bushings and other parts that are worn down to make sure they’re not too loose.

When The Rotor Is The Problem

A new rotor will have a smooth surface. When you apply your car’s brakes, the pads squeeze against the rotor and its smoothness helps prevent unwanted noise. Over time, excess heat, and small rocks and other debris can cause scoring on the rotor. When that happens, your brakes can become noisy. The only way to fix a scoring problem is to either replace the rotor or have it resurfaced. It’s unlikely that you’ll have the proper equipment to do the resurfacing at home, so you’ll probably need to take your vehicle to a mechanic.

Noisy brakes can be frustrating, especially because they are so persistent. If you have experience working on your car, you may be able to uncover the root cause yourself. However, most drivers would be better served taking their vehicle to a trained auto technician.

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The True Cost Of Owning Your Vehicle

The majority of prospective car buyers only consider the upfront cost of purchasing a new vehicle. They judge the deal based only on the amount of money they pay before driving their new car off the dealership lot. However, studies show that the initial investment can be misleading. Over the course of several years, a seemingly inexpensive automobile can end up costing far more than a higher-priced model.

Below, we’ll explore the four factors that can increase the long-term cost of automotive ownership. When you eventually decide to purchase a new model, keep these factors in mind.

#1 – Fuel Efficiency

A lot of drivers would be surprised by the variance in gas expenses for different models over five years. Driving a 4-cylinder vehicle can literally cost thousands of dollars less than a fuel-guzzling SUV. To determine how much you’ll be spending on gas, assume that you’ll be driving 12,000 miles each year. You’ll also need to make an assumption regarding where you think fuel prices will be during the next five years.

#2 – Insurance Premiums

Many motorists believe that their insurance premiums are based solely upon their driving record. In truth, most insurance providers also take into account the type of car you’re driving. For example, the premiums to insure a red sports car will likely be higher than those for a family sedan. Call your insurance agent prior to purchasing a new vehicle. He should be able to tell you which models will cost more to insure.

#3 – Regular Maintenance And Repairs

This is one of the hidden expenses of owning an automobile. The fact is, when somebody visits a dealership lot, the last thing they’re thinking about is how much they’ll need to pay for repairs. Maintaining and repairing your car is inevitable. The older it gets, the higher the likelihood that its parts and systems will fail. The important thing to realize is that certain models are more expensive to repair than others. And while your warranty will cover the first few years, it won’t last forever.

#4 – Depreciation

Finally, we come to the largest expense of all: depreciation. Most people understand that automobiles depreciate. But, more than a few would be surprised to discover how much, how quickly, and the disparity between different models.

It is estimated that vehicles lose more than half their value during their first five years. Some models lose their value more quickly than others based on available inventories, popularity, and even the cash incentives offered by automakers and dealerships.

When you decide to purchase a new car, consider the initial price in the context of how much it will actually cost to own the vehicle. In other words, don’t be swayed simple because of a low sticker price. Consider the factors I’ve listed above to make sure you’re still happy with your purchase several years down the road. Now go out and enjoy that new to you ride. Be careful and Drive Safe!

Used Car Parts

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Other Interesting Car Articles

• Your Car’s Gas Tank Draining Removing And Installing (0)
• Noisy Brakes? Try These Solutions (0)
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