The high-pitched squeal that comes from your pads and rotors is almost enough to discourage you from stopping your car. A few decades ago, asbestos pads were replaced by semi-metallic ones. Ever since, the annoying screech has sent motorists running (or driving) to their local mechanics.

Below, we'll take a closer look at noisy brakes. I'll explain some of the factors that can contribute to the problem. I'll also provide a few inspection items that you can perform in your own garage rather than relying on a repair shop.

What Causes The Noise?

A lot of drivers think the squealing is caused by the pads rubbing against each other or against the rotor. In reality, the noise is produced by vibrations. The vibrations can be generated from a number of parts within your braking assembly, including the pads, rotors, calipers, and mounts. If your car uses drums instead of discs, the vibrations can come from the shoes and plates.

In most cases, the squealing doesn't present a performance problem. In fact, high-performance brakes are often noisy. The exception is when the parts are rubbing against one another and causing friction. That leads to excess wear and tear. When that happens, you should have a technician fix the problem as soon as possible, or replace the offending parts.

Points Of Inspection You Can Do At Home

Before taking your vehicle to your local repair garage, invest an hour to go through a few minor inspection points. First, lift the hood and check the color and level of the brake fluid. If it's low, replenish it. If it's discolored, change it.

Second, get into your car and turn the ignition. Make sure the anti-lock brake light comes on and then disappears.

Third, note the "play" in your braking system and tires while driving. When you press down on the pedal, try to identify a lack of support or firmness that might imply a leak. Also, watch for pulling to one side while you're pressing down on the pedal.

Fourth, back in your garage, remove the tire from the squealing brake. Take a look at the pads and note their thickness. If they're worn, you may need new linings. Then, look at the rotor. Are there scratches or hard spots? If so, it may need to be resurfaced. Next, look at the caliper. Is it in good condition or does it appear worn? Is it positioned evenly?

When It's Time To Hire A Mechanic

There will be times when you'll be able to get rid of the annoying squeal by replenishing your car's braking fluid, replacing the pads, or cleaning the calipers and mounts. If you have the right tools, you should be able to replace the pads and clean the calipers and mounts relatively easily. On the other hand, if the rotor has suffered damage, warping, or hard spots, you'll need to have a mechanic inspect and possibly resurface it. The good news is that doing so should eliminate the piercing squeal.