Squealing brakes are not always a problem.

When you pulled out of your driveway earlier this morning the first sound you heard was the squealing of your new brake discs. You just had new pads installed at your last auto service so you’re frustrated as to why they are announcing your departure to everyone in the neighborhood.

Although this happens fairly often, it is nothing to be concerned about. A certain amount of high-pitched squeal from disc brakes is considered "normal" due to the harder semi-metallic brake pads that are used in today’s cars. Squealing that is evident at the first few stops when the brakes are cold and somewhat damp from dew and heard the last few feet while coming to a stop is usually nothing to worry about and not a always a sign of failed brake repairs.

Semi-metallic disc brakes are made of metal shavings. These brake pads have exceptional stopping power and have a long wear life, but can cause a high-pitched squeal that drives car owners crazy. Think of it this way, long wearing brake pads usually contain more metallic material and as such the chance of causing a squeal noise is very high. This squealing noise however, does not affect braking performance and does not indicate a brake problem.

That said, sometimes brake squealing is a signal that there is a problem and an indication that brake repair is required. If you hear brake noises other than a squeal, it could mean that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. So we recommend that noisy brakes should always be inspected by a licensed mechanic to make sure there isn't a problem with the braking system. If the brake pads have indeed worn down to the point where metal-to-metal contact is occurring, your vehicle may not be able to stop safely and they will need to be replaced.

If your brake pedal feels different than “normal” or you've noticed a change in the way your vehicle brakes (pulls to one side when braking or requires more pressure on the brake pedal than usual), have the brake system inspected by your mechanic at once.

So if the high pitch noise is only evident when you first begin your day, I wouldn’t be overly concerned. But if the sound persists and it is recommended that you replace your pads, consider installing premium line brake pads. Yes, they are more expensive, but when it comes to the safety of your family this is not a time to focus solely on cost.

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