Brake Repair: Answering The Common Concerns

If you're like most drivers, you have only the most cursory knowledge of what goes on in the inner workings of your car. It's simply not necessary to know these things anymore. Knowledge certainly doesn't hurt, but it doesn't take a certification in auto maintenance to bring your car to your local brake repair shop. Nonetheless, driving in complete ignorance can lead to some fairly obvious hazards. You don't need to know how to change out your pads and shoes to know what it sounds like when you need it done. Here are some common questions about the braking system and the answers you need.

Why does my car squeal, but then stop when I hit the brakes?

This is the opposite problem many people find they have when their pads are getting worn (and addressed below). Nonetheless, it is sometimes a symptom of a similar issue. Brake repair specialists can tell you that many pads are fitted with a wear sensor. When this sensor hits the rotors, it causes a squealing sound. It is intended to indicate to the driver that new pads are needed. When you press on the pedal, the pads themselves eclipse the sensor, thus making the sound go away temporarily. In any case, this is a sign you're due for a new set.

Why am I getting a squeaky sound when I apply the brakes?

Contrary to what you may have heard, this isn't always a sign that you need brake repair. The braking system isn't designed to be completely silent. If you had no engine noise, no radio, and no ambient sound, you would hear even the quietest braking system in action when you brought your car to a stop. This is why many people get concerned when they hear them in a parking garage, where sounds are naturally amplified. Nonetheless, if you're getting a squeaking or squealing sound every time you hit the pedal, it's probably a sign that you're ready for a new set of pads.

Is a grinding sound always a bad thing?

A grinding sound often means your braking system is cutting into your rotors, meaning you need to change your pads as soon as possible to avoid further damage. However, like most things, every symptom has multiple possible causes. The same is true of grinding. If you get a low grinding noise at very slow stops, it could just be how your braking system is designed. This is a common issue for those with semi-metallic pads. If this is the first you've ever heard of the sound, or you're hearing it every time you stop, you need to seek out a mechanic.