If your brakes squeak a little, that is normal. Most brakes squeak because the lubricant that comes with each brake kit was not administered when the brakes were placed onto the automobile. It is not the squeaking that you need to worry about. It is easy to tell if your automobile is in need of a brake job.
When your brakes begin to wear down, you might hear a grinding noise when you step down on the brake pedal. You might hear a crunch noise if you have to hit the brakes fast and hard. Those are usually two good signs that it is time for brake service.
Overstressed brake rotors and brake drums can break. Brakes that are excessively worn or damaged may not stop your vehicle in time. The longer you delay fixing brake problems will only cost more to fix. Badly worn, warped or overheated brake rotors can damage wheel bearings and the complete wheel hub assembly. These parts often cost as much or more than the brakes themselves.