That high-pitched squeak every time you hit the brake pedal can be one of the most annoying sounds a car makes. But does it mean your brakes are worn out? Or is your car simply being noisy? The answer is not always obvious.
Brake squeaking can come from everything from overnight moisture and brake-pad material to debris, worn pads, improper installation, or overheated components. Some noises disappear after a few stops, while others are your braking system's way of asking for attention.