Cars and trucks alike need to have working brakes. If your brakes are squealing, then it’s a sign that something is wrong with them. Here is some more information on how brakes are supposed to work, why they squeal, and what you can to do next.

How Your Brakes Work

Take a look at the underside of your car. You’ll either have disc brakes or drum brakes. The discs will also be equipped with rotors, which attach the brake to the wheel, and calipers that attach to the brake pads. When you hit the brake, the pads put pressure on the rotor. This mechanism is what brings your vehicle to a halt. Depending on how old your car is, you might see the drum style of brakes. The drum brakes work the same way, but the only difference is that the brake pads squeeze the drums to stop the car.

Why They Squeal

How worn out are your brake pads? If they’re too worn down, that’s probably the reason why your brakes keep squeaking and squealing. Every set of disc brakes are equipped with wear indicators, pieces of metal that will hit the rotor when the brake pad is too worn down. That’s where the squealing sound comes from, so when you hear it, it means you’re going to need some replacement brake pads.

If you don’t get any replacement work done in a timely fashion, your problems will only get worse. In fact, once you hear a strange grinding noise, it means the backing plate has damaged the rotor.

What to Do Next

Now that you know why your brakes are squealing, you need to do something about them. Get them repaired as soon as possible. If there’s too much heat or pressure on your brakes, they’ll squeal. When you hear this, you should pull over and let them cool down. Be careful if your summer adventures involving driving near any mountains. The higher elevation can also cause brakes to squeal. If your brake pads are made of carbon metal, they’ll also squeal sometimes. It’s just a design flaw. That said, every set of brakes will squeal occasionally. But if it comes and goes, then you don’t have much to worry about. If it happens and doesn’t stop, then you need to get new brakes pronto.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Questions

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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