"I recently had my front and back brakes replaced with factory parts. My front brakes are now squeaking. What could be the cause?"

"Upon installation of new brakes, you should allow for a break-in period of 300-500 miles, providing it is a slight squeak and the car stops properly. If the squeak exists beyond that, it could be attributed to any number of things. Some brake pads contain a metallic substance to make them last longer, but it also makes them susceptible to squeaking. On the flip side, a softer pad with less metallic will not last as long and cause more brake dusting on your wheels/rims. Thanks to advancements in technology, ceramic is utilized in brake pads to aid in increased pad life, less dusting and, of course, quieter braking. If your problem exists beyond the break-in period, I suggest seeking a second opinion from a certified automotive technician, as your squeaking condition may be due to defective brake components or improper installation."