Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

When you’re out on the road, few sounds are more alarming than grinding brakes. Whether your ​​brakes are grinding when stopping, or you hear an unpleasant scraping and rattling sound during your entire drive, it’s a problem you should get checked out ASAP. 

If you’re curious about why your brakes are grinding—and whether you’ll need to plan for brake repair or a complete replacement—take a look at the guide below from the service center at INFINITI of Warwick. Learn about the various reasons that your brakes are making a grinding noise, and then, schedule your next INFINITI brake service in Providence!

Causes of Brakes Grinding When Stopping

Think about when you hear your brakes making a grinding noise. If your brakes are grinding when stopping—as soon as you press down on the brake pedal—the cause could be one of the following:

• Thinning brake pads. Over time, brake pads wear thinner and begin to make a squealing noise when stopping, known as brake scrubbing. If you don’t replace the brake pads at this point, the problem will progress to the point of the brakes grinding.
• Worn brake disc or calipers. If your brakes are making a grinding noise that’s particularly sharp, or you feel a rumble through the brake pedal, a worn-out brake disc or brake caliperscould be the cause.
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). If your brakes are grinding when stopping, but only at full force, you probably don’t have anything to worry about. Your INFINITI vehicle’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) activates when you apply the brakes abruptly at full force, which may cause some grounding and vibrations in the brake pedal.

What if Your Brakes Are Grinding When Driving?

If you notice your vehicle’s brakes grinding every time you get behind the wheel in Coventry, the problem may not actually be with the brakes. Rocks and debris bouncing off the rotor and brake calipers can also result in a grinding sound, but this is also something that you should get cleared up as soon as you can.

INFINITI Brake Repair and Replacement in Warwick 

Whether you need brake replacement or service to clean debris from your brake system, the service experts at INFINITI of Warwick are happy to take care of it for you! Check out our car-care guides for more tips, or contact us to schedule brake service near Cranston today. We’re here to help you resolve your brake issues and get back on the road!