What is a common cause of brake squeaking noises?

Squeaking noises when braking are frequently caused by worn brake pads. As brake pads wear down, the material that provides friction against the brake rotor diminishes, leading to metal backing plates being exposed. These metal plates can make contact with the rotor, resulting in a high-pitched squeaking sound. Additionally, some brake pads are designed with wear indicators that create a squeaking noise to alert the driver that the pads need replacement.

Low brake fluid, faulty brake lines, and overheated tires are not typically associated with noise production during braking. Low brake fluid might lead to a spongy brake feel or decreased braking effectiveness, rather than a squeak. Faulty brake lines can result in fluid leaks or pressure issues, affecting braking performance but not necessarily causing noise. Overheated tires may lead to performance issues or loss of traction but don’t directly relate to the sounds produced by the braking system. Thus, worn brake pads remain the primary and most common cause of brake squeaking.