The brakes on your vehicle are one of the most important safety items in the car. You use them each and every time you drive. And, when you really need them to stop in order to avoid another vehicle, it's imperative that they work well. If your brakes are making noise, like a squealing, it's important not to ignore that.
Your brakes should act in a silent, but efficient manner. When you start to hear a squeak when you touch the brakes, it could be an issue with some of the parts. The brake pads, for example, are the most common reason that the brakes will squeak. These pads are the first line of defense for the brakes. They are the first thing to wear out and they can give you indications that your brakes are on their way out. If you start to hear the noises, have them checked. Having the brake pads replaced doesn't cost nearly as much as damage to the rest of the brakes. Brake pads are going to wear out no matter how good you are to your vehicle, but they will wear out faster if you misuse or ride the brakes.
Your brakes might also complain if there are loose parts within the system. There are all sorts of pieces like rotors, hoses, calipers, and other such things. Vibrations (like perhaps going over potholes) can loosen those items. They might need to be adjusted, tightened, or even cleaned or lubricated. You don't want something to loosen so much it causes more than just noise issues so get things checked over.
Not every brake noise means you are going to have to get repairs. Sometimes, snow, rain, or even humidity can cause things to be a bit noisy. As long as the noise goes away once your brake pads have warmed up as you drive, the brakes are okay. But there's no harm in having things checked out, just in case.
If you have any questions about your brakes or if you know you need brake repair or pad replacement, bring your vehicle to our shop.