96 Civic Hatch w/ 40k miles. I bought it a month or so ago, and the mechanic that we bought it off of checked and it said everything was fine. We trusted him cause we've been to him quite a few times. Not saying he screwed us over, but I noticed that if I push on the break, it'll start squeaking unless I gently push on the break. What could be wrong? Is there a way to fix this myself? I know nothing about cars except on how to fill up gas, but hey I gotta start learning somewhere.

 

don't worry, this is not a huge problem...here are two suggestions for you. take a peek thru your rim and see if your break pads are low. most pads have a piece of metal attached to them that will squeak when the breaks are getting low and serve as a indication that your breaks need to be changed soon. look and see if the little peice of metal (usually at the top or bottom of the pad) is in contact with the rotor...if it is, then you can change the brake pads yourself
2nd if the piece of metal is not in contact with the rotor just got to autozone and get something called "brake quieter" i think that's what it's called. if not just ask the attendant for something to quiet your breaks.
changing you break pads is simple. the first this is to choose what type and brand of pads to use...search this forum and you will find some good recomendations. you will need a G-clamp to push your break pistion back in. some rear calipers require you to screw the pistions in with a special tool. check your manual to see if you need this...
good luck...come back and let us know how it turned out

 

C Clamp not G clamp