Audi Maintenance: Understanding The Warning Signs For Brake Repair
Audi is known for superior performance, luxury, and leading technology. Their futuristic styling and well-crafted interiors leave nothing to be desired. Maintaining your Audi however, requires an ongoing commitment and attention to detail. An important aspect of Audi maintenance is brake repair. Identifying the warning signs that can lead to brake repair will help to curb brake repair costs, and prioritize your safety. In this article, we look at these brake repair warning signs, and how prioritizing your Audi maintenance can help prevent brake issues.
Slower Braking
Your Audi’s braking performance should always be responsive and swift. Do you notice your vehicle isn’t stopping as quickly as it usually does when applying pressure to your brake pedal? If so, you could have worn brake pads or rotors that could compromise your braking performance. Although the change in braking performance may be subtle at first, it will worsen with time, possibly leading to a complete brake failure. If your breaking isn’t as snappy as usual, it’s best to get them checked out by your Audi maintenance brake professional.
Strange Sounds
Your brakes should never make an unusual sound. As your brake pads become worn, the edge of the brake pad may begin to make contact with the brake rotor, causing an unpleasing sound. If you notice any abnormal sounds, it’s best to take it in immediately. Be on the lookout for the following sounds:
Squealing Or Screeching Noises
Screeching or squealing noises are both warning signs that your brakes need attention. Screeching sounds are usually caused by the metal shim on your brake pad. Also called an indicator, the shim creates a barrier between the brake pad and the caliper and protects it from damage.
Grinding Sound
If you hear a grinding noise, it’s usually a more serious concern. Grinding noises occur when the metal backing of your brake pad grinds against the brake rotor. Any prolonged grinding can cause permanent damage to your rotor and severely restrict your braking performance.
Abnormal Vibrations
Certain Audi brake issues give rise to vibrations and are felt through the brake pedal or the steering wheel. Brake vibrations are usually caused by warped brake rotors. This is different to anti-lock braking systems, where your brakes push against the rotors in a succession of quick ‘grabs’ to stop the car quickly. Braking vibrations affect the consistency of your braking action, creating an unsettling feeling as you brake.
Rotor warping is caused by heavy braking over an extended period, which causes a high level of friction. Downhill roads or continual braking while towing can overheat your brake rotors, leading to warping. Rotors are usually replaced, and in select cases, resurfaced.
Pulling To One Side
Have you noticed your Audi pulling to one side as you drive or brake? This is usually an alignment issue or a suspension malfunction. If the pulling happens while you’re braking, this could indicate a brake system issue. You could be experiencing one of the following problems:
Locked Caliper
This is when a caliper is stuck and exerts continual pressure on the rotor. In severe cases, you may need to consider a brake system replacement.
Uneven Brake Pads
Brake pads with different amounts of wear can exert different levels of braking pressure. This is a sure way to cause a side-pulling action.
Collapsed Brake Hose
Your brake hose feeds brake fluid to your brakes. If your brake hose breaks, brake fluid doesn’t reach your brakes and your brake pressure will vary.
Burning Smell
Any burning smells in your Audi cabin should give off warning bells. Sometimes a chemical-based odor can be released from your brakes during heavy braking. This is usually a result of overheating and a sign that you should pull over and let your brakes cool. Overheating can cause brake fade, which results in poorer braking performance. If you notice continual brake heating, it’s best to get your brakes checked out.
Spongy Brake Pedal
Does your Audi’s brake pedal ever feel spongy or soft? This is a sign that air could be trapped in your brake lines. Alternatively, it could point towards a brake fluid issue. Spongy brakes reduce your braking performance which puts you at an increased risk as stopping distances are increased. A soft brake pedal means it’s time to get your brakes checked out and properly bled.
Brake Warning Light
All modern Audi’s are fitted with onboard diagnostics. This advanced system monitors your vehicle systems and will pick up on brake malfunctions. If your brake warning light illuminates, there could be an issue with your brakes. Either it’s worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or an electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) issue. Your mechanic may also calibrate your various Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) as these can sometimes present similarly to a braking issue.
How To Maintain Your Audi’s Brakes
Here are some recommended ways to keep your Audi’s brakes in top condition.
Invest In Preventative Maintenance
A Leading Audi repair facility will offer manufacturer-specific Audi maintenance intervals. These intervals ensure that your vehicle systems are maintained well, including your brakes. These regular inspections will keep your car from unforeseen issues and brake failures.
Do A Regular Brake Fluid Check
Brake fluid levels should be checked regularly. Periodically, your brake fluid needs to be replaced to keep it working optimally. Your trusted Audi repair facility will check your brake fluid levels during preventative maintenance services.
Monitor Your Brake Performance
The more you drive your Audi, the more you’ll know how it feels and when something is up. Pay special attention to any changes in your braking performance. This should include any strange smells, sounds, or vibrations. Be sure to address any concerns immediately.
Audi Maintenance In Pompano Beach
At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, we specialize in all things Audi. Our experienced team of mechanics is ready to inspect and repair any brake issue you may be experiencing.
Our world-class Pompano Beach facility specializes in performance tuning and European auto repair.
Foreign Affairs Motorwerks servicing adheres to Audi Service USA, and we’ll tailor our services to meet your unique requirements.
Call our expert team today at 954-746-0488 to book your Audi.