How often should car brakes be serviced
How Often Should Car Brakes Be Serviced
Remembering you service your vehicle can escape many people's minds, so listening out for key signs of brakes thinning like squealing noises or brake pedal vibration. It can help to decipher when to get your vehicle serviced. If you're considering scheduling a service or parts appointment, contact us at Edmonton BMW in Edmonton, Alberta and the surrounding areas of St Albert, Sherwood Park, Beaumont, Leduc, Spruce Grove and Devon.
Signs It's Time To Replace Your Brake Pads
If you aren't paying attention to how your vehicle is performing and functioning, an issue like thin brake pads can be overlooked. However, if you know what to keep in mind, you'll be able to spot an old brake pad like nobody's business. Look out for the following signs:
Squealing Noise
The squealing noise is a feature, not a bug, of your brake's pads. There are built-in metal hairs near the bottom that squeal when it's time to replace them.
Brake Pads Less than .25 inch Thick
Take a look for yourself or get your mechanic to look at your brake pads the next time there is an opportunity. If they're thinner than .25 inches, get them replaced.
Brake Pedal Vibration
A jittery brake pedal is a common sign that the brake pad has worn too far and needs to be replaced immediately, to the point that your BMW's brake rotors may be distorted.
How Do I Know If My BMW Brake Pads Are Worn Out?
The friction material begins at around 10-12 millimetres and, over time, will wear down until you should get your pads replaced. Going beyond this point until no friction material is left could be a misfortune for your BMW vehicle. The friction will become unevenly detached, and metal may rub on metal. If this happens, temperatures will reach high levels, which could damage the entire braking system in your BMW. The metal that holds the brake pad will also begin to rub against the rotor, damaging and wrapping it. The shell of the rotor may become so disfigured that driving becomes very unsafe.