[Lamboguy]

I got brand new brake pads installed about a year ago. I've been getting the screaching sound when I brake now for the past week or so. Aren't new brake pads supposed to last longer than this? I can't let them go either, because I don't want to have to fork over money for rotors too.

[Alexus]

Well, you should get them checked. You might just need new brakes, even after just a year. But you may also have to break down and get new rotors.

[Lamboguy]

I don't think it's the rotors though. It's doing the squealing noise, not a grinding noise. I was told it's only the rotors when the brakes grind. Maybe I wasn't sold quality pads or something. I think they should be fine still.

[MaximumSpeed]

Squealing usually means the brake pad is getting thin. I don't know how long they are "supposed" to last, but I do know that how you use them will affect how they wear and how long they last. Mine usually need to be changed right about yearly.

[FenderBender]

Well the good news is that most brake pads come with a lifetime warranty so if you kept the box, or the receipt from the shop you had them put in at, you should be able to have them replaced for free.

[lamborg25]

True, you will be happy to have them replaced depending on the warranty terms. I would get particularly concerned if brake pads starting behaving this way after just a year but the way to go is to have them checked regularly.