When Is It Time For A Mercedes Brake Service?
Owning a Mercedes-Benz reveals a unique love for luxury, style, and performance. Their high levels of driving safety and ride comfort make Mercedes an envied brand. Following a Mercedes service plan is integral to ensuring longevity. An important component of your maintenance and safety is a Mercedes brake service. You may be wondering how often you should get your brakes serviced. In this article, we look at brake repair warning signs and how consistent brake maintenance can keep you safe.
Strange Braking Sounds
Your Mercedes brakes should never make an unusual noise. Abnormal noises may present when your brake pads become worn. This is because the edge of the brake pad makes contact with the brake rotor, causing a noise. Be on the lookout for the following sounds:
Screeching Sound
These sounds are caused by the metal shim on your brake pad. Also known as an indicator, the shim protects your brake pad by forming a barrier between the caliper and the brake pad. A screeching noise is a warning sign that your brake pads are worn out and need maintenance.
Grinding Sound
Grinding sounds should be taken seriously. They happen when the metal backing of your brake pad grinds against the rotor. If left unattended, this can restrict your braking performance and lead to permanent rotor damage.
It’s best to chat with your performance service facility immediately if you notice any screeching or grinding sounds. Your Mercedes mechanic will also help identify any other Mercedes repair issues on hand.
Slower Braking
A Mercedes-Benz should always offer quick and responsive braking. The popular Mercedes C300 boasts a stopping time from 70 mph in only 154 feet. This swift braking performance is what helps to prevent accidents. If you notice a deterioration in your braking when applying pressure to your brake pedal, your brakes could be worn. The change in braking performance might be subtle at first, but over time it will gradually weaken. Give it long enough and you could be dealing with brake failure. Even a slight suspicion should be enough to get your brakes checked out by a Mercedes mechanic.
Your Mercedes Pulls To One Side
Does your Mercedes seem to be pulling to one side when you brake? Although a general pulling to one side can highlight an alignment issue, pulling to one side when braking could reveal a brake system issue. Your Mercedes could have one of these three braking problems:
Uneven Brake Pads
Different amounts of wear on brake pads can lead to varying braking pressures. When brake pressures aren’t even, pulling to the side can be a common symptom.
Locked Caliper
At times, brake calipers are known to lock and exert consistent rotor pressure. Locked calipers can wreck your brake system and should be promptly attended to. It’s highly unlikely for Mercedes brake calipers to lock when following a preventative brake maintenance plan.
Brake Hose Collapse
A brake hose delivers brake fluid to your brakes. If this breaks, brake fluid is prevented from reaching your brakes, affecting brake pressure.
Braking Vibrations
Do you notice a vibration through your steering wheel or brake pedal when you brake? This is a typical symptom of warped brake rotors. Your brake rotors are designed with a flat, even surface for smooth and safe braking. Rotor warping is what happens when heavy braking is applied over an extended period. This causes excessive friction and heat, which can warp rotors. Be aware of long downhill stretches, especially if you’re braking consistently while towing. The standard practice is for warped Mercedes rotors to be replaced for optimum safety. Brake vibrations can compromise your braking consistency and cause a lack of driver confidence.
Spongy Pedal
Does your Mercedes brake pedal feel soft or spongy? When you press on your brake pedal, is there a fair amount of gradual hardening? This could point to air that’s trapped in your brake line or a brake fluid issue. Spongy brakes hinder braking performance and increase your stopping distances. It’s best to get your brakes professionally bled if you suspect a spongy brake pedal.
Burning Smell
You should never encounter a burning smell when driving or braking. A burning smell could be a warning sign that your Mercedes brakes are overheating. The immediate treatment for this is to pull over and give your brakes some time to cool. Driving with overheating brakes can lead to brake fade, or poor braking performance. Overheating brakes can be caused by hard braking over a prolonged period. If your brakes are perpetually overheating, it’s best to get them checked out.
Act On Warning Lights
Modern Mercedes models are kitted out with onboard diagnostics. These advanced systems monitor your vehicle and detect any brake malfunctions. Pay careful attention to a brake warning light, as it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Your brake warning light could be warning you about a brake fluid, brake pad, or even electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) issue. It’s best to entrust your brake warning light to your mechanic, who will correctly diagnose the brake issue at hand.
Mercedes Brake Maintenance Tips
Here are some tips to keep your Mercedes brakes functioning well.
1. Prioritize Preventative Brake Maintenance
A professional auto repair facility will offer Mercedes-Benz preventative maintenance services. Each interval service will deal with different brake checks and servicing, as your car needs it. Regular maintenance is what keeps your brakes in top condition and prevents possible brake failures.
2. Don’t Ignore Subtle Brake Performance Changes
As the owner of your Mercedes, you’ll know the personality of your car’s driving style. You’ll be able to notice when something isn’t quite right. If something doesn’t feel quite right, don’t second guess yourself, rather be safe and take it in.
3. Check Your Brake Fluid Regularly
Low brake fluid levels can cause brake issues. When you fill-up at the gas station, periodically check your brake fluid. Alternatively, swing by your trusted performance facility for a quick brake fluid check.
Mercedes Brake Service In Pompano Beach
At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, we service all Mercedes-Benz. Our Mercedes Mechanics are well-versed in diagnosing the most complex brake issues while offering the best solution. Foreign Affairs Motorwerks Pompano Beach facility houses over 125 years of auto performance and repair experience. Our servicing follows all Mercedes-Benz USA protocols and recommendations.
Call us today at 954-746-0488 to book your Mercedes.