Imagine yourself driving down a road near your home. It’s a road you drive every day, the same old commute that you’re used to. You reach down to change the radio station when bam the neighbors cat has run into the middle of the street. Lucky for you, you’re going the speed limit so stopping is no big deal. At least you think it’s no big deal until you hear that dreaded eeeeeiiiii that signals squeaky brakes.
It’s not an uncommon issue. In fact, it’s so common that the sound is one we are used to hearing in everyday life. But what does that high pitched squeal mean?
It Could Be Nothing
Seriously. Sometimes brakes squeak. There will be times when you are going fast and slam your breaks only to hear the dreaded noise. It doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong. Listen to the sound, is it long and loud? If so, you need to keep reading. Is it short enough that it sounds more like eek instead of eeeeiiii? In that case you are probably just fine. A little squeak isn’t going to kill you.
It Could Be Your Brake Pads
The number one reason brakes squeak is because the brake pads need to be replaced. Take a moment to think about the last time you had you brake pads checked. If it’s been more than a year, you need to have someone look at them. Changing the brake pads is a simple thing that can save your brakes. Trust me, there are a lot of worse (and more expensive) things that could happen to your car.
Even if your brakes aren’t squeaking and it’s been a while since you’ve had your brake pads checked, you should get them checked anyway. It should be part of the regular maintenance of your car. Having sound brake pads can save you major expense in the long run. It’s better to have to pay a little now than to have to get new brakes later.
But if you’ve gone longer than you can remember without changing the brake pads _
It Could be Something Worse
You could be putting a lot of other people on the road in danger if you haven’t had a brake checkup in too long. If it takes a squealing brake for you to finally take your car in to the mechanic, then so be it. Brakes are one of the most essential items in your car. I shouldn’t have to tell you how important it is to have healthy brakes. Every time you drive you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are taking other people’s lives into your hands. What if your brakes are not functioning correctly? What if you speed out of control and hit the van of a young family. Could you live with yourself afterwards? Get your brakes checked. It never hurts to be on top of your car’s maintenance.
Whatever the case may be, if you notice a problem with your brakes, take action. It could be nothing, but it could be something. Better safe than sorry.
