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Brake failure is, fortunately, extremely rare with Volkswagen vehicles. But if you neglect to maintain your brakes properly, they can begin to malfunction in even the most reliable of cars. So if you ever notice the following indications of trouble, visit your local Volkswagen dealer for brake repair as soon as you can.
Leaking Fluid
The brake lines connecting your brake pedal to the calipers are filled with brake fluid, which is a thin, oily, yellow liquid. This fluid maintains a high hydraulic pressure that transfers the force from your foot to the brakes, allowing you to stop your car.
If brake fluid ever leaks, the hydraulic pressure is reduced and you’re at risk of complete brake failure. Leaking fluid will first cause a sponginess to the brake pedal. So if you notice this sensation, it’s best to pull over and search for any sign of a leaking yellow fluid.
Aging Fluid
When brake fluid begins to get too old and break down, it turns a dirty brown in color. As it ages, brake fluid diminishes, which also reduces hydraulic pressure.
You can check your brake fluid color and levels by looking for the brake fluid reservoir toward the back of the engine compartment. In most modern cars, this reservoir is transparent, allowing you to see the fluid inside and check its level against the markers.
Renew Fluid Often at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer
It’s recommended to have your brake fluid changed once every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. This process will take about 30 to 60 minutes at your local dealership. It’s a good opportunity to have the rest of your brakes inspected as well.
Squealing Brakes
Brake pads are the parts that clamp onto the rotors, slowing your car each time you press on the pedal. Over time, brake pads wear down until they need to be replaced.
A little strip of metal inside the upper friction layer of a brake pad creates an unmissable squealing noise when the pad has worn down too far. That squealing sound is your warning that it’s time for a new pad.
Rumbling Brakes
The rotor discs that brake pads clamp onto can sometimes become damaged or bent out of shape. This is most likely to occur when the brakes overheat from too much continual usage.
If your rotors become damaged, they’ll often create this rumbling, vibrating sensation that you’ll feel through the pedal or steering wheel. Most of the time, a damaged rotor will need to be replaced, but sometimes you can repair a rotor by resurfacing it.
Clattering Brakes
Other parts inside the caliper, such as a bolt or pin, can occasionally come loose. When this happens, you might hear the loose part rattling around inside the caliper.
You’ll hear a similar sound if a stone from the road gets stuck in the mechanism. To fix this, you’ll probably need a technician to raise your car, take apart the calipers, and remove or refasten the loose part.
If you’re experiencing any of these brake issues, have your brakes repaired today by qualified professionals at Carlock Volkswagen of Cool Springs. We have an extensive range of top-notch vehicles and helpful, courteous staff.
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