5 Noises Your Car Makes That Indicate It Needs Immediate Repairs and What They Mean for Brakes and Engine Health 5 Noises Your Car Makes That Indicate It Needs Immediate Repairs and What They Mean for Brakes and Engine Health A high-pitched squeal when braking usually signals that the brake pads are thinning. The squeal comes from an indicator on the pads rubbing against the rotor once it’s time for a replacement. If you hear…