Faulty or
worn-out brakes can be a serious safety issue that should be dealt with as soon
as possible. We recommended that you do not try to drive on brakes that you
fear aren’t working as well as they should be. Here are some things to remember
when it comes to your vehicle’s brakes.
For most European cars there is a
brake wear indicator on the brake pad that lights a warning in the instrument
cluster.
If your brakes have started squealing when you touch them, then it probably time to get them looked at. Squealing is usually the first, and sometimes the only, warning that your brakes may need to be replaced. Squealy brakes can come from the wear indicator on your disc brake pads. The wear indicator is a small piece of metal that is attached to the brake pads. The squeal you are hearing is the wear indicator rubbing against the brake rotor once the pad has been worn down and is an indicator that it is time to replace your brakes.
Another indicator may be if your steering wheel starts shaking. If you happen to notice movement in your steering wheel when you put your foot on the brakes, there may be a problem with your brake rotors.
Generally, vehicles will require a first brake service between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. After the first service, it is a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a Certified Service Technician at 15,000-mile increments. The Certified Service Technician will check your brake lines for cracks, rust or leaks, as well as the brake pads/shoes for unusual wear and the rotor/drums for wear or warping.
If your brakes have started squealing when you touch them, then it probably time to get them looked at. Squealing is usually the first, and sometimes the only, warning that your brakes may need to be replaced. Squealy brakes can come from the wear indicator on your disc brake pads. The wear indicator is a small piece of metal that is attached to the brake pads. The squeal you are hearing is the wear indicator rubbing against the brake rotor once the pad has been worn down and is an indicator that it is time to replace your brakes.
Another indicator may be if your steering wheel starts shaking. If you happen to notice movement in your steering wheel when you put your foot on the brakes, there may be a problem with your brake rotors.
Generally, vehicles will require a first brake service between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. After the first service, it is a good idea to have your brakes inspected by a Certified Service Technician at 15,000-mile increments. The Certified Service Technician will check your brake lines for cracks, rust or leaks, as well as the brake pads/shoes for unusual wear and the rotor/drums for wear or warping.
