New Car Brake Noise

From an engineer’s perspective, brake noise stems from vibration between the pad and disc. High-frequency squeals occur when the pad’s friction material resonates against the rotor. Manufacturers mitigate this with shims, chamfered pads, or anti-vibration compounds. Performance cars (e.g., BMW iX) may tolerate more noise due to aggressive pad compounds. If your new car’s brakes squeak mildly, it’s likely a design trade-off for durability or performance.

New car brake noise occurs because there is a break-in period for new cars and newly replaced brake pads, during which some abnormal noises may occur. These noises usually disappear after driving a few hundred kilometers. If there are metal hard spots in the brake pads, small metal particles inside the pads can cause sharp, screeching sounds when braking lightly. This issue can be resolved by stomping on the brakes a few times, then removing the brake pads to grind down their edges and corners, or by replacing them with higher-quality brake pads.

Severely worn brake pads can also cause brake noise. Generally, brake pads come with wear indicators. When the pads wear down to their limit, the indicators will rub against the brake discs, producing sharp metallic friction sounds. At this point, it is crucial to replace the brake pads promptly to avoid scratching the brake discs, brake failure, and potential accidents.

Additionally, new cars are often covered in dust. If this dust settles on the brake discs, it may cause noise when driving the new car.

In normal vehicle use, brake noise can also be a signal of the ABS system activating. During hard braking, the brake pedal may produce a continuous thumping sound, sometimes accompanied by a pulsating sensation. This indicates that the ABS system is functioning normally. In such cases, simply press the brake pedal firmly all the way down, but this applies only to vehicles equipped with ABS systems.

New car brake noise is common and often harmless, typically caused by bedding-in, moisture, or dust accumulation. During the first few hundred miles, brakes may squeak as the pads and discs wear into each other—this is normal. Light squeaking in wet conditions is also typical due to surface rust, which clears after a few stops.

If the noise persists or worsens, check for these issues:

1. Debris between the pad and disc – remove any lodged stones or dirt.
2. Low-quality brake pads – some aftermarket pads contain harder materials that squeal.
3. Glazed pads or discs – caused by overheating, requiring resurfacing or replacement.

For severe grinding or metallic scraping, inspect the brake wear indicators or potential pad failure. Most modern cars (e.g., Ford Focus, Vauxhall Corsa) have wear sensors that trigger dashboard alerts. If unsure, consult a mechanic—ignoring persistent noise risks safety. Regular maintenance, like cleaning brake components, reduces noise over time.