Brakes don’t go out without a warning. They give you signs indicating the vehicle requires brake repair, which might involve parts replacements. If you drive a Volkswagen, we recommend visiting your VW dealer if you suspect your brakes have issues.
Does Your VW Need a Brake Repair?
High-Pitched Screeching or Grinding Noises When Braking
High-pitched screeching or squealing when braking indicates the brake pads are worn out. Brake pads have wear indicators that only touch the rotor when the contact material wears and becomes thin. These indicators are designed to produce a high-pitched sound on contacting the rotor when you press the brake pedal.
If left unchecked for a while, the high-pitched screeching will turn into grinding noises, indicating the pads are completely worn out and are wearing the rotor. But these noises could also be due to pebbles stuck in the caliper. Either way, you have to inspect the brakes.
Steering Wheel or Brake Pedal Vibration When Braking
If your brake pedal or steering wheel vibrates when braking, the culprit is usually the rotor. Uneven rotor surfaces make the brake pads pulsate when braking, and they transfer these vibrations to the steering wheel and brake pedal. The solution is to replace the warped rotor.
Dashboard Brake Light Is On
Volkswagens have brake pad warning lights on their dashboards that indicate when these components wear out. If this light turns on, check the pads.
Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
A faulty or sticky caliper can apply more braking pressure on one of the front wheels, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
Brake Pedal Feels Soft or Spongy
The brake pedal should feel firm when you press it to a certain level. But if it feels soft or goes down to the floor, the system might contain air or moisture. Get this issue checked immediately because the master cylinder might also have leakages through its internal seals.
Burning Smell When Driving
A burning rubber smell when driving indicates the brakes are overheating and the heat is getting to the tires. But a burning chemical smell can mean the clutch or brakes are overheating. Both can lead to brake failure, so get the issue checked immediately.
Leaking Brake Fluid
If you park your Volkswagen for a while, say overnight, and notice a small fluid puddle under it on the driveway, the brake fluid might be leaking.
Get a Visual Check From Your VW Dealer
Visual inspections are critical to determine the condition of your car’s brakes. We have the tools and expertise to check the entire braking system and let you know if you need repairs, fluid flushing, component replacements, etc.
Need to repair your brakes? Visit us today at DeMontrond Volkswagen.
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