Having reliable brakes when on the road is essential to ensuring driver safety, so when you start hearing screeching brakes, it’s a good idea to get it looked at right away. While it’s normal for a car’s brakes to squeal shortly after starting up, if the problem persists, it could be an indicator of some bigger problems. Take a few moments to review some of the most common causes behind screeching brakes. 1. Worn Out Brake Pads Over years of use, brake pads will naturally wear down, causing the vehicle to squeal. The sound is caused by the insulating material on the brake pad wearing away, allowing the metal on the brake to come into direct contact with the metal