Why My Brakes Squeal
June 23, 2018
I recently received a message from a client about “Why my brakes squeal“. Not knowing the brake pads, I would have to say that they are at their end of use. There is a tiny piece of metal that will touch on your rotor alerting the driver that the pads are ready to be replaced.
Have you ever been cruising toward a column of cars waiting at a stoplight and when you apply your brakes are then rewarded with a sound that, like fingernails on a chalkboard? This can raise goosebumps on your neck – and maybe the blood pressure of the driver in front of you. Sound familiar?
Squealing or squeaking brakes can be annoying, embarrassing and even worrisome. There are many different things that can cause your brakes to squeal. Some causes are not important and won't cause any safety problems at all while others are indicative of major problems that need to be taken care of right away.
Keep in mind that you might need to take your vehicle out for a test drive to find out when exactly the brake noises occur. Are you encountering squealing brakes when driving, when braking or only in cold weather?
Like everything else automotive, an annoying noise can be one of the first signs that something is wrong, or it might mean nothing is amiss. It's up to you to quickly figure out which. Keep in mind that in most cases, a persistent noise, even after the brakes have warmed up, indicates that a repair is in order.
WONDERING WHY MY BRAKES SQUEAL?
There are three types of brake pads on the market:
- Organic Brake Pads:
Organic brake pads are cheaply made and not meant to last very long. They are a softer composition brake pad. When you see a lower price on brake pads in a store, these are organic pads and are their loss leader. Team Ryan Automotive does not carry, recommend or sell these types of brake pads.
- Semi-Metallic Brake Pads:
Semi-metallic brake pads last longer than organic but typically create that dark brake dust which is evident on your rims. The front tires are usually more heavily coated than the rear, as the front brake pads typically provide the majority of stopping power (roughly 70%). These pads will make more noise than organic brake pads and the driver will hear squealing and grinding. While they provide much more stopping power than organic pads, they are still not as superior as ceramic brake pads. Based on the year of the vehicle being serviced at Team Ryan Automotive, we prefer to use ceramic pads… and here’s why:
- Ceramic Brake Pads:
Will usually leave only a very light color dust when used, versus the dark dust of semi-metallic and will last often twice as long with almost no brake squeal complaints. This reduces the cost of ownership and maintenance while ensuring great stopping power.
If you are hearing a grinding noise or loud squeal when you apply your brakes, it may be time to bring your vehicle in Team Ryan Automotive. Give us a call at 678.765.RYAN (7926)
As we head into the new year, we are kicking things off with exciting news for the Sugar Hill and Suwanee community, because Team Ryan Automotive is officially in town! Since opening our doors in 2015, Team Ryan Automotive has proudly delivered exceptional service and trustworthy repairs in Buford, GA (Gwinnett County) and Cumming, GA (Forsyth County). Today, we are excited to bring that same level of care, expertise, and community commitment to drivers in Sugar Hill and Suwanee with our newest location at 820 Brogdon Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024. Did you know that it's possible to be in Sugar Hill city limits while having a Suwanee address? That's exactly where our Team Ryan Automotive Sugar Hill / Suwanee location is positioned. A Meaningful Transition This new location represents a special passing of the torch. After 26 years in Gwinnett County, John and Lori of J & L Automotive are retiring and entrusting their previous customers to be taken care of into 2026 and beyond by Team Ryan. As a husband and wife team, John and Lori built their business on trust and care. Those same values continue with husband and wife team Dan and Shara of Team Ryan Automotive, making this transition a natural fit and a continuation of a strong local legacy.
Auto Repair You Can Trust for Every Driver Every driver has different needs, but whet her you’re commuting in a family SUV, managing a fleet truck, driving your first car, or serving the community as a first responder, you deserve an auto repair shop that puts honesty, safety, and expert care first. At Team Ryan Automotive, serving Buford, Cumming, and Sugar Hill / Suwanee, our family-owned shop is built on one promise: Your car. Your needs. Our expertise. For Parents & Family Drivers Your vehicle carries the most important passengers in your life. From school drop-offs to weekend errands, we help keep your car safe and reliable with: Oil changes and fluid checks Brake repairs Tire rotations and alignments AC repairs and multi-point inspections At Team Ryan Automotive, we believe trust starts with transparency. That’s why we never hesitate to walk you out to the shop and show you exactly what’s going on with your vehicle. Seeing an issue firsthand helps ensure clear communication and confident decision-making. We also use Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) to keep you fully informed. Each inspection includes: Photos of your actual vehicle Clear descriptions of any recommended maintenance or repairs Honest explanations—no pressure, no surprises You’ll always know what your car needs and why. For Young & New Drivers A first car should come with confidence. We offer: Clear explanations Honest recommendations ASE-certified diagnostics No pressure. No confusion. Just a trusted mechanic you can rely on. For Contractors & Fleet Drivers When your truck is your business, downtime isn’t an option. We provide: Fast diagnostics Brake and suspension repairs Tire services and alignments Routine fleet maintenance We help keep your workday running smoothly. For First Responders & Essential Workers We're honored to support our community heroes with dependable, transparent auto repair you can count on, every visit, every time. Our team has the experience and equipment to service a wide range of vehicles, including: Vehicles up to 15,000 pounds Sprinter vans Emergency and service vehicles Dually trucks and work vehicles Why Drivers Choose Team Ryan Automotive? Family-owned and operated ASE-certified technicians Honest diagnostics, no upsells High-quality parts and repairs Lifetime Warranty on most services Convenient online scheduling Whether you’re searching for auto repair near me, oil change in Buford, or brake repair in Cumming, Team Ryan Automotive is here for you.
What an incredible season and a moment of pride for the entire Buford community. This championship represents a true dedication to hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and it is a testament to a program that continues to set the standard both on and off the field. At Team Ryan Automotive, we are incredibly proud to be a sponsor of this outstanding program, not only for what these athletes accomplish under the Friday night lights, but for the leadership and character they demonstrate beyond the game. The Buford Wolves consistently show that success is about more than wins and trophies. It is about integrity, accountability, and lifting others up along the way. Earlier this year at a Buford Academy pep rally, the football team took time to personally connect with every child in the room, making each student feel seen and valued. Moments like that show what this program truly stands for. Character. Community. And doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Our son Aidan shared how much it meant to him that he “got to slap hands with the real football team players,” a small moment that left a big impression. Experiences like that inspire younger students and remind all of us how powerful positive role models can be. That spirit of leadership and heart is something our family and our entire team at Team Ryan Automotive align with wholeheartedly. We believe in showing up for our community, supporting one another, and leading by example, values we see reflected so clearly in this program. Well earned, Wolves. Buford is proud of you, and we are honored to stand behind such an incredible team. 💚🏈
