Keeping Your Vehicle Healthy

If you’ve driven a Volkswagen for a while, you know how dependable they are. However, to neglect to give your vehicle regular, high-quality service– like a premium synthetic oil change and brake repair service– is to put you and your loved ones at risk.

Worn-down brake pads or low brake fluid can lead to your brake system not working as intended right when you need it the most. The good news is, taking your vehicle in for a brake repair service is simple and easy, especially if you take it somewhere that knows your Volkswagen as well as you do.

At Spitzer Volkswagen Amherst, you’ll find not only authentic OEM parts, but experienced technicians who know Volkswagen better than anyone. If you believe you’re in need of brake repair service, check out the list of common signs that you need brake repair and schedule a visit today.

How to Know When You Need Brake Repair

There are a few common signs you can look for to figure out if your vehicle needs regular brake repair service. Here are 5 signs to look for:

Sign #1: Grinding or Clinking of Metal

There are several common sounds you might hear if your brake pads or shoes are worn down and need replacing. The sound of grinding metal is a built-in indicator that either your brake pads or shoes are severely worn down and need to be replaced immediately.

The sound of grinding metal could also indicate that one of your brake drums needs to be re-lubricated, which can also lead to brake damage. Finally, a clicking sound may also indicate that a brake pad or brake shoe has become unfastened due to a loose bolt or pin. If you hear any of these sounds, you should take your vehicle in as soon as possible.

Sign #2: Brake Warning Light

Some vehicles make the job of finding out if you need brake repair service easy by providing a brake warning light on your dashboard. That’s tied to your brake system.

Check your vehicle handbook to see if you have a brake warning light, and in the case that your brake warning light turns on, to also find out what that means exactly for your vehicle. In some cases, a brake warning light could mean there’s a real issue, so make sure to take your vehicle in for brake service sooner than later.

Sign #3: It Takes Longer to Stop

Another common sign that’s easy to pick up on is how long it takes to stop. When you have new brad pads, braking will feel strong and responsive. As soon as you press down on the brake pedal, the car quickly comes to a halt.

However, over time, brake fluid wears down or can leak or even attract water, all of which will cause the brake pedal to become less responsive and your brake power reduced. Because it’s impossible to know exactly what the issue is when you notice your brakes start to become less responsive, it’s important to take your vehicle to a technician you trust to make sure things don’t become worse.

Sign #4: Vehicle Vibrates When Braking

Another common way to know when you need brake repair service is when your vehicle vibrates while braking. Brake systems have multiple components, and when any one of those components isn’t working properly, it can affect your braking system as a whole.

If you notice your vehicle vibrate frequently while braking, it could be a sign of a damaged or rusted brake pad or even a warped rotor or drum surface, which is often caused by frequent high temperatures within the vehicle over time. If that’s the case you may need to replace either your drum or rotor.

Don’t Wait for Your Next Brake Repair Service

The health of your VW brakes and braking system as a whole is a vital part of vehicle safety. To protect you and your loved ones, make sure to take your vehicle in regularly to get checked. If you notice one of the signs mentioned above, it’s critical that you take your vehicle in to a trained technician, as you may already have brake issues.

If you’re looking for experienced technicians you can trust, look on further. At Spitzer Volkswagen, our OEM-trained expert technicians know how to service your Volkswagen inside and out, whether it’s a simple oil change or brake pad change, or any other auto repair service. Take your vehicle somewhere you can trust, with authentic OEM parts made for your Volkswagen.

Stop by Spitzer Volkswagen today for a quick brake repair service– and leave a part of the family.