I found my brakes grinding how long can I drive on grinding brakes? If you are searching for an answer to this question, you are in the right place!
On a bright sunny day, when you take your car out to go to your destination, you might suddenly notice that your car’s brakes are grinding. Even when you pull your car off the side of the road, it continues to happen. It is natural to panic under these circumstances.
One thought that will come to your mind is when the grinding of brakes stops for good? So, you need to know how long your car’s brakes can grind before you should pull off to make the vehicle operational.
In this article, we will discuss why your brakes are grinding, and how long you can drive in this condition.
To give you a simple answer: you might be able to drive about 1500 miles like this. But the exact number of miles will depend on many factors, which we will discuss later. So, read on to find out more.
How Long Can I Drive on Grinding Brakes
Well, when it comes to driving with grinding brakes, it depends on several factors such as the condition of the brakes, what the road is like, what speed you are driving at, and a few others. On average, a car can be driven about 1500 miles with grinding brakes. That much distance is enough to help you reach your home or the nearest garage where you can find a mechanic. On the way, you should not use your brake too much under this condition. It becomes harder to brake after the mechanic fixes it.
You should remember that you should not drive for a long time when the brakes are grinding. The whole braking system of your car may fail if you continue to drive with grinding brakes for a long time.
If this happens, it will become impossible for you to stop the vehicle, which can be fatal on the road. So, if you are planning a long ride and notice that your car brakes are grinding, then the smartest thing is to visit a car mechanic as soon as possible.
Reasons Behind the Grinding of Car Brakes?
You might notice that the brake caliper keeps on touching the wheels, and the question “why is my brake caliper grinding against my wheels” may come to your mind. It is the common reason that causes this issue in your car. This section will discuss all the possible reasons behind the grinding of car brakes. So, let’s get straight into it.
When the Brake Pads Wear Out
Stopping several times while driving your car may lead to worn-out brake pads. In this condition, the brake pads will make a grinding noise whenever you apply brakes in your vehicle.
Even a little bit of press on the brake can lead to noise. This usually happens because whenever you press the brakes in the worn-out condition, the contact between pad and metal occurs between metal and another metal.
Deposition of Debris
If you regularly drive on muddy or dirty roads, primarily seen in village areas or countrysides, in that case, dirt, sand particles, and even small pieces of rocks can get accumulated either on the brake calipers or the brake rotors.
You should choose to use performance brakes. Then there is no way that debris can get deposited inside the brake pad or brake caliper.
What Should You Do if the Brakes Start Grinding on the Roads?
Now that you understand the problem, let’s talk about the solutions.
Drive at a Lower Speed
While on the go, if your car brakes start to make grinding sounds, then before taking it to a car mechanic, you need to follow some safety protocols. The first thing that you need to do is slow down.
Whenever you get the chance to get down the main road, and if there is no way for you in which you can get out of the highway due to heavy traffic, start applying the brake slowly.
Instead of pressing it with full force, tap several times without pressing the accelerator. Driving at a slow speed will help you to the nearest car garage without getting harmed.
Keep Safe Distance
When you notice that your car starts making screeching sounds, the best idea is to keep a distance from other traffic on the road. This is proven helpful because applying brakes will not make your car collide with the vehicle in front of you if you need to stop suddenly while moving.
How to Prevent the Car Brakes From Grinding?
Once you get to the car garage, the mechanic will do the needful, and in case you want to do the necessary all on your own, then the possible ways are mentioned in this section.
Change the Brake Pads Frequently
If you hear a grinding noise, then the first thing that you should do is to check the brake pads. Now, as it is evident that worn-out brake pads make a screeching sound or grinding noise, you should check the condition of the brake pads from time to time.
You can buy new brake pads from any auto repairing shop, and if you don’t know how to do it, you can watch some youtube videos for help.
As a rule of thumb, you should always change your car’s brake pads between every 10,000 to 20,000 miles of driving. This will keep your brakes working well and is good for safety.
Remove Dirt from Brake Calipers and Brake Rotors
Cleaning the brake calipers or the rotors can be extremely helpful. You can simply use a degreaser to clean the rotor and brake caliper and the car’s whole braking system. Whenever you get time, clean the accumulated dirt from these parts of your vehicle.
Get An Expert To Look At It
What can be better than leaving the job in the hands of an expert? The problem might be more significant than you think, and the grinding brakes can only be the outer problem you are experiencing.
The grinding noise can be mainly due to the problem with the brake lining, rotor, caliper, and even in the cylinder of the braking system. So, the bottom line is that whenever you feel that the brakes are making grinding noises leave the work in the hands of a mechanic.
Other than a permanent fix, which is a little expensive, you can look for some pocket-friendly solutions. Most of these budget-friendly solutions are temporary fixes for the grinding brakes.
Brake Pad Shims
You can use brake pad shims. Brake pad shims are either made using metal or plastic.
After implantation, the brake pad shim will enhance your braking power. You need to put that between the brake pad and the wheel cylinder.
Whenever you apply the brake, it will last longer, and most importantly, you will be able to stop your car more efficiently at your will.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair My Brakes?
The cost of repairing the grinding brakes varies depending on the problem in your car’s braking system. The average price falls in the range of $900 to $1,200. The repair cost can be divided into two parts: towing and repairing.
Answers To Commonly Asked Questions.
#1. New brakes and rotors grinding when stopping?
The new brakes and rotors may grind due to many reasons:
- There is a mismatch between the brake materials.
- If you have got a new brake and it is semi-metallic discs and calipers, then there are high chances that they are somehow touching each other and grinding.
#2. Why is my brake caliper grinding against my wheels?
If the backing plate behind the brake rotor is bent, it can rub against the rotor and grind against the wheels. It can also be because of some issues with the wheel bearings.
Final Words
Even when stopping new brakes and rotors grinding can happen. Irrespective of the condition of the brake, whenever you hear a screeching sound while braking, take the necessary steps in this regard.
We hope that this segment has proven to be helpful for you. And that you have found all the answers to your questions. If you cannot find out the problem in your braking system, which is behind the creation of the unpleasant grinding noise while braking, then the best way to handle this is to take your car to a mechanic.
Thank you for reading, we hope this blog helped you in resolving your brake grinding issue. You might also like to read: Brakes Make Grinding Noise When Backing Up – What to Do? And Rubbing Noise From Rear Wheel When Driving
