If you hear a squeaking noise from your brakes, it’s important to understand the underlying issue before attempting any fixes. In some cases, the noise may be due to condensation on the brakes, which can easily be resolved by parking your vehicle in a climate-controlled area overnight. Additionally, gently applying the brakes early in your drive can help reduce or eliminate the noise. While applying WD-40 might temporarily displace the water and quiet the brakes, it is not a long-term solution unless you plan to do it every day.

However, squeaky brakes can also be an indication that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. This noise serves as an important safety warning. If you choose to spray WD-40 on your brakes, it can cause damage to the rubber seals on the caliper seals and brake lines. This damage can result in hydraulic fluid leaks and potentially dangerous failures in your brake system. It’s important to note that some vehicles have drum brakes on their rear wheels. If the source of the noise is a stuck drum, using a brake lubricant instead of WD-40 is recommended. Apply the lubricant to the backing plate where the brake shoe sits and avoid applying it to the front brake rotors. Applying lubricant between the disc rotors and brake pads can significantly affect the performance of your disc brakes and potentially lead to an accident.