Squeaky Brakes: What Do They Mean?

Have you noticed a squeak when you hit the brakes? Don’t panic—squeaky brakes don’t always mean your brake pads need to be replaced. Let's explore what could be causing that sound and when it’s time to take action.

Should Brake Pads Make Noise?

If your brake pads are a little squeaky, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. Your brakes will still function properly. However, it’s important to stay aware of what’s causing the noise to ensure it doesn’t indicate a larger problem.

One common reason for squeaky brakes is moisture. Have you ever noticed your brakes squeaking after a rainy or dewy morning? That’s perfectly normal. Moisture causes a thin layer of rust to form on the rotors, which may lead to some noise until the rust wears off after a few stops.

Another cause of squeaky brakes is the material of the brake pads. Modern brake pads are often made from ceramic, which can cause a bit of noise when interacting with cast iron rotors. While this sound can be normal, semi-metallic brake pads tend to be quieter, which is a great alternative if the noise bothers you.

The Difference Between Abnormal and Normal Brake Noises

When it comes to brakes, it’s important to be cautious. There’s a big difference between normal and abnormal brake noises.

For example, the noise caused by moisture, which goes away after a few stops, is completely normal. However, if the noise persists, it’s time to investigate further.

Signs of Abnormal Brake Noises:

Grinding: If you hear a grinding noise (metal-on-metal), it’s a clear sign that your brake pads may be completely worn down. If you experience this, visit Team Ryan Automotive for our brake repair service immediately.
Vibrations: If squeaking is accompanied by vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel when applying the brakes, or if you notice a burning smell near your tires, it could indicate serious brake or tire issues. It’s important to get both your brakes and tires inspected.
Brake Warning Light: If your brake warning light flashes, it’s crucial to schedule a brake repair inspection right away.

If you experience any of these abnormal brake noises or signs, visit Team Ryan Automotive for a thorough inspection.

Free Brake Inspection with Every Oil Change

Here’s a helpful tip: Did you know we include a free brake inspection with every oil change? This added service ensures that your brakes are always in optimal condition.

If you’ve noticed squeaky brakes or any signs of trouble, contact us online or schedule an appointment with Team Ryan Automotive. We also recommend considering wheel alignment orauto maintenance services to keep your vehicle in top shape.

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Team Ryan Automotive is now in Sugar Hill / Suwanee

By Shara Ryan • January 2, 2026

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

By Shara Ryan • December 31, 2025

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.

Proud to Support Champions: Congratulations to the Buford Wolves

By Shara Ryan • December 22, 2025

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. 💚🏈