Car Care Center
Deciphering Squeaky, Grinding Brakes
There is nothing worse than hearing that high pitched squeak when you bring your car to a stop. What you are hearing is a metal indicator installed in brake pads that starts to scrape against the rotor. It is a warning meant to be heeded. Ignoring brake pad wear can lead to bigger problems. Once the brake pad is worn through and the rotor is affected.
If the high pitched squeaking is not enough to tip you off then be aware of some other signs your brake pads need changing. If the steering wheel shakes during stopping, the brake pedal seems to depress further than it used to or you smell a bad odor after coming to a hard stop you should also take your car to be checked. Also pay attention to your driving habits. A daily commute through heavy traffic will require more diligent brake maintenance. Most importantly, you don't want to lose precious braking distance when it matters most.
A reputable mechanic will first check the brake pads for wear. The most inexpensive course of action will be replacing the brake pads. If they have worn past the warning point and damaged the rotor, then a more costly approach will have to be taken. Mechanics may 'turn' the rotors which means smoothing out the surface that has become uneven due to wear. Using a reputable mechanic with properly maintained tools is essential. You can search the web for reviews and experiences other customers have had. In some cases the rotors may need to be replaced altogether. Some after market brake pads wear a little slower and can be quieter than traditional brake pads. Inquire with the mechanic for recommendations while going over your driving habits and conditions with him/her.
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