Why Do My Brakes Squeak?

Many times people ask, “Why do my brakes squeak?” Your brakes squeak because of three most common reasons. First, your brake pads may be worn down and the wear indicator is touching the rotor surface, causing a scraping or a high-pitched squealing sound. Eventually your brake pad material will wear out completely and damage your rotors, at least doubling the cost of your brake repair. Second, your brakes may squeak because of a broken shim or clip. Your brake pads are held tightly into place by metal clips and a shim or backing plate. If any of these parts break or are missing, the brake pad will vibrate causing noise. Finally, your brakes may squeak just because of cheap brake material. The three most common types of brake pads are organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. At Fast Lane Automotive in Orlando we always recommend the highest quality ceramic brake pads to help your brakes stay noise free. Regardless of what’s causing your brakes to squeak, it’s always a good idea to have your whole braking system inspected at your local auto repair shop to determine the cause. Mention this blog for a free brake inspection!