Hearing a vehicle’s brakes squeak can send any driver into panic mode. This sound is an indication that there’s something wrong with your brakes, and they either need to be repaired or replaced. Springdale Automotive, an automotive care specialist in West Chester, OH, says there are several reasons why your brakes might produce this annoying sound.

Since your safety relies heavily on your car’s braking system, these experts have listed four of the most common reasons why your brakes are squeaking:

• Worn Out Pads: Noisy brakes are usually caused by worn out or thinning brake pads, which should be replaced as soon as possible. The brake wear indicator, which is made of steel, hits the rotor to warn the driver that the brake pads are slowly thinning.
• Rusty Rotors: The rotors can get rusty when moisture collects on the surface. When the rotor turns, the rust that formed on the surface is scraped by the pads. The debris then gets lodged between the pad and the rotor causing the brakes to squeak.
• Not Enough Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication is another reason your brakes squeak. When the lubrication wears off, the metal components begin to rust and grind against each other. Hire a professional mechanic to check if the brake pads and other components of your braking system are well-lubricated.