regular maintenance checks for your car

Servicing your brakes is a integral part of keeping your Audi running safely on the road. If a problem arises with your break system, it's crucial for you to be able to spot it so you can take your car in for your Audi service. Before a car's brake system completely fails, it typically gives warning signs that trouble is brewing. Learn three common warning signs that your brakes need servicing. Following your car's maintenance schedule and regularly servicing your vehicle is an excellent way to head problems off at the pass and keep your Audi running in tip top performance.

Grinding Noises

Hearing noises, such as a metal grinding sound, when you apply the brake is a warning sign that your brake pads need replacing. Just like cartilage provides cushion for your joints to keep your bones from rubbing against each other, brake pads have friction material on them that help your car stop safely. Over time your brake pads wear down and need replacing. If you hear a grinding noise this means the friction material has worn away and the base pad is grinding on the rotor. Worn out brake pads reduce your cars braking performance and the grinding destroys your rotors if left unchecked.

Vibrating Brake Pedal

A pedal that begins to vibrate or shake when you apply the brake is a warning sign that your rotors likely need replacing. When you apply the brake, pads and calipers press against the side of the rotors to create the friction that is necessary to bring your car to a complete stop. Like other parts of your brake system, the rotors wear out over time. A common issue is warping, which is when the rotors wear out unevenly. It's this uneven wear that causes vibrating or pulsing when you apply the brake under normal braking conditions.

Extended Braking Time

Brake fading is a term used to describe when it takes longer than usual from the time you apply the brake to the time when your car comes to a full stop. If you experience permanent brake fading, this means your brake power is diminished. Brake fading is often due to worn out pads or rotors which can no longer provide sufficient friction for braking. Keep in mind that you can experience temporary brake fading when new brake components are fitted. This short-term brake fading goes away after applying the brakes a few times.