Squealing or Grinding Brakes
Urgency: HighSquealing brakes usually indicate that brake pads are worn down to the wear indicator — a metal tab designed to squeal when pads are thin. Grinding sounds mean the pads are completely worn and metal is contacting metal, which damages the rotors. Other causes include glazed pads, debris in the brake caliper, or rusted rotors after the car sits overnight.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonPossible Causes
- Worn brake pads
- Glazed brake pads
- Damaged or warped rotors
- Debris in brake caliper
- Worn brake hardware
- Rust on rotors (temporary after rain/sitting)
When to See a Mechanic
If grinding, see a mechanic immediately — you may be damaging rotors. Squealing should be checked within a week. Temporary squealing after rain or overnight sitting is normal.
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