Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

You’re driving through Fort Collins and you suddenly hear a metallic sound coming from your car. “Why are my brakes grinding and how can I make it stop?”, you wonder. The sound of brakes grinding can indicate that there are issues with your braking system that need attention.

While it may be tempting to put off your next brake repair until a more convenient time, keep in mind that the National Highway Safety Administration has found that faulty brakes could be a factor in as many as 25% of all road accidents. Thus, it’s probably best to schedule service with MINI of Loveland ASAP. Meanwhile, let’s run through some common causes for brakes grinding.

Brakes Grinding When Stopping

First, when do you notice your brakes making grinding noises? If you notice your brakes grinding when stopping, it could be for a few different reasons:

• If you hear the sound when stopping or slowing down, your brake pads are probably the culprit. But over time, brake pads lose their thickness and start to make a squealing noise – known as “brake scrubbing.” As the pads wear down further, you’ll hear a grinding noise instead.
• If you hear a sharper grinding noise, it could be the sound of your brake disc and calipers. This may also cause a rumble in your pedal. This may require a brake pad replacement, but also disc or rotor replacement.
• If you hear brakes grinding when stopping at full force, it could be your Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Your ABS will activate if you apply the full brakes, and it may even cause vibrations in the pedal. 

Brakes Grinding When Driving

If your brakes are making a grinding noise when you are driving throughout Denver, it could just be rocks and debris bouncing off the caliper and rotor. This is an easy service, but it’s important to get it resolved quickly to prevent more damage from accumulating. You can try to remove the debris yourself if you have experience with cars, but most Boulder drivers prefer to leave the job to our service department. You can also schedule an inspection while you’re here to resolve your brakes grinding for good.

Schedule Your Service with MINI of Loveland

Looking for a final answer to the question “Why are my brakes grinding?” Find out with help from the experts at MINI of Loveland. Contact us with any questions right now or schedule a service appointment at your convenience to bring your car and its brakes back to good working condition. We’re located in Loveland and are just a short drive from Boulder, so get in touch soon for fast, convenient brake service & repairs!