Do you hear a screeching sound when you step on your brake? This could be caused by a number of factors, some minor, others serious, even dangerous.

Causes

A major cause of screeching brakes is worn brake pads. Brake pads are usually made of fiber lining with metal inside called a wear indicator. When the brake pad is worn, the metal part gets into contact with the metal rotor, producing the squeaking sound. This is a warning indicating that your brakes pads have only about 25% of their life left. Make arrangements to have them replaced as soon as possible.

When your front disk brake pads are loose, you could hear a screeching sound. Poor quality brake lining is another culprit. A rusty rotor could also cause a screeching sound in the brake pads. When the anti-rattle clips that hold the brake pads in place are broken, they produce a screeching sound.

A brief, temporary screech that occurs when you start driving in the morning could be caused by frost or dew and should not worry you. However, if the squeaking persists into the day and goes on for days, you should be concerned.

The squeaking sound is a warning sign that it's time for brake repair. When the noise changes from squeaking to grinding, you are in danger zone. When it goes to thumping, you are an accident waiting to happen. The thumping noise is the result of uneven contact between the rotor and brake pads

Why Is Brake Repair Important?

Driving with worn brakes pads will affect other parts of your vehicle. When worn, the metal part of the brake pads will rub against the rotor leading to rotor damage.  If you ignore this further, you may end up with warped rotors.

Warped Rotors can increase stopping time, heightening the risk of accidents. If unrepaired, they could also lead to brake failure, putting your life and that of others in danger.

Worn brake pads will result in contact between the calipers that hold the brake pads and the rotors, causing damage to your calipers. This, in the long run, will be more expensive to repair than replacing your brake pads. A screeching or squeaking sound from your brake may indicate that your brake pads need changing.

Consult a mechanic for the correct diagnosis and get a free brake inspection. If left unrepaired, worn brake pads will cause worse problems that will cost more in the long run, and may even be dangerous.