Why is there a screeching sound when the car brakes?

[LaFinley]

When there is a screeching sound during braking, it indicates a problem with the brakes. Based on the vehicle's mileage and the wear level of the brake pads and discs: 1. For new cars, the brake pads may have hard spots, and the noise will disappear once these spots are worn down. 2. For older cars or those with heavily used brake systems, the brake pads may be too thin, causing direct friction between the brake disc and caliper. In this case, new brake pads should be replaced as soon as possible. 3. The noise could also be caused by a deformed brake disc. Brake pad maintenance tips: Check the thickness. A new brake pad is typically about 1.5cm thick, and this thickness gradually decreases with use. When the visible thickness of the brake pad is reduced to about one-third of its original thickness (approximately 0.5cm), the owner should increase the frequency of self-inspection and be ready to replace them. For some car models, due to wheel hub design, visual inspection is not possible, and the tires need to be removed for a proper check.

[QuinnLynn]

I've been driving for over a decade. Last time when I heard that screeching sound from the brakes, my heart skipped a beat and I immediately drove to the repair shop. Turned out the issue was the brake pads being worn too thin, causing metal to directly grind against the brake disc and produce that screaming noise. When the technician took it apart, we found some sand and small stones mixed in, probably sucked in from the road. If I had delayed dealing with it, the entire braking system could have been more severely damaged, even affecting the stopping distance, which would have posed serious safety risks. I've developed a habit of changing brake pads every 20,000 kilometers, especially since they're prone to rust after rainy days when the noise becomes more noticeable. My advice is: don't ignore small noises, get it checked when needed without delay. Early repairs can save you a significant amount on maintenance costs.

[SophieAnn]

Hearing the screeching sound of brakes always makes me nervous immediately, as it could very well be a warning signal that shouldn't be taken lightly. It might indicate that the brake pads have worn to their limit, or that foreign objects are stuck between the discs. If not addressed, brake failure could occur in emergencies, leading to serious consequences. I usually pull over to the side and quickly check the wheel hub area for any unusual marks, but honestly, only a professional inspection can be relied upon. A mechanic once taught me that even new brake pads can squeak if installed incorrectly, and regular maintenance can prevent this. I remember last month during the rainy season, my car frequently made noises after rusting in the rain, but fortunately, cleaning the disc surfaces in time solved the problem. Always stay vigilant during daily driving.

[McLaila]

When the car makes a screeching sound upon braking, I've encountered this issue with my own vehicle and found it's mainly due to brake pad problems. Some brands contain more metal components, which generate louder friction noise when heated, or temporarily squeal when rusted after getting wet. It's not a big deal in the short term, but if the noise persists, I recommend replacing them with high-quality anti-noise brake pads - the improved materials make them much quieter. Also, check for sand particles in the wheels; cleaning them often helps. No need to panic too much.

[McVivienne]

When driving frequently in the city, the brakes are used often, which can easily accumulate dust leading to small stones getting stuck between the wheel hubs or causing rust, resulting in squeaking noises. I've used my own method—spending a few minutes cleaning the brake area every time I wash the car and spraying some rust inhibitor, which significantly reduces the noise. If the noise increases after rain, waiting for the rust to wash away might make it disappear. However, if the squeaking persists daily, it might indicate that the brake pads are worn out. In that case, drive to a shop for inspection immediately and avoid taking risks on long trips.

[LaBryce]

I enjoy tinkering with minor car repairs myself. When I notice brake noise, I've tried removing the wheels to check the brake pad thickness and disc cleanliness. Severe rust or pads worn down to just a few millimeters usually indicate the root cause. Wiping with a cloth might temporarily reduce noise, but professional equipment gives more accurate results. I recommend beginners avoid disassembling parts randomly to prevent scratches or incorrect reassembly. Avoid sudden braking during daily driving to reduce wear, and perform regular maintenance to extend lifespan.