Your brakes are an essential safety component in your vehicle, so any unusual issues are always worth investigating. One common concern is squeaking brakes, for which you may not always need brake repairs. As the team at A-1 Auto A/C Specialist & General Auto Repair in Honolulu, HI, explains below, understanding more about your car and the type of noise you’re hearing will help you determine the right course of action.

No Cause for Alarm

Though a squeaking sound might be disconcerting, it doesn’t necessarily indicate something is wrong with your vehicle. High humidity levels can sometimes cause squeaks during braking, especially after a rainstorm. Some newer brake pads can also occasionally squeak because of their harder, semi-metallic structure. If squeaking is only intermittent, you probably don’t have much cause for concern.

Time for Brake Repairs

When squeaking noises seem to occur every time you press on the brake pedal, it’s time to get your vehicle checked out by a mechanic. As brake pads thin over time, your car’s wear indicator will produce a squeaking noise to warn you that it’s time for a replacement.

If this consistent squeaking goes unaddressed, you may begin to hear a grinding or screeching noise when pressing on the brakes, which warrants immediate attention. These harsher noises indicate damage to your brake system’s rotors and discs. A fast response will help you avoid costlier repairs.

When you need brake repairs or other car tuneup services, going to the right auto mechanic will make all the difference. Located in the heart of Honolulu, A-1 Auto A/C Specialist & General Auto Repair offers its customers peace of mind with ASE^®-certified technicians and an A+ Better Business Bureau^® rating. Learn more about what they can do for your brakes online, and call (808) 836-2939 to schedule a free inspection and estimate.