6 Signs Your VW Needs Brake Service

One thing many folks are guilty of is not thinking ahead when it comes to repairing VW vehicles. Sure, having reminders for oil changes and check-ins helps, but there are a lot of moving parts to your vehicle that should be inspected regularly to ensure your vehicle is safe. One of those moving parts, or realistically, stopping parts, is your brakes. They’re vital to the safe operation of your vehicle and keeping you out of accidents and collisions, so it’s best not to overlook them.

In this guide, we’ll look at Volkswagen brake maintenance tips, when to replace VW brake pads, and give you the tools for how to tell if VW brakes are bad. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about VW brakes.

How Often to Service VW Brakes

Whether you drive frequently, long distances, or hardly at all, it’s best to inspect your VW brakes every year or every 18,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. Depending on how you drive, if the roads are maintained, and weather conditions, you’ll likely need to replace your brakes every 50,000–70,000 miles. You should also consult your vehicle owner’s manual to see when it’s recommended to top off brake fluid and how you can maintain your brakes for optimal longevity and efficacy.

If that seems like a lot to remember, you should at least know the warning signs of when VW brakes need to be replaced.

Squealing Sounds

If you’ve ever heard a squealing sound when activating your brakes, it should set off warning signals that it’s time to get your brake pads replaced in your VW. The squealing sound comes from an indicator that manufacturers design into the brake pads to let you know it’s time to service your VW brakes.

Grinding Sounds

If you ignore the squealing sound, it won’t take long before it develops into an aggressive grinding sound. This means the brake pad has worn down entirely, and now your vehicle is experiencing metal-on-metal when applying the brakes. This will quickly damage your calipers and rotors, skyrocketing the cost of VW brake pad replacement.

Vibrations

If your brake pads have worn unevenly, or if the rotors are warped, you’ll likely notice vibrations in the car and through the brake pedal when you slow down and stop. Don’t ignore this, as it can quickly snowball into bigger issues with your VW brakes.

Listing or Pulling

When applying the brakes to come to a stop, if you catch your vehicle drifting to one side, this is a fairly large issue that something is wrong with your brake system. Bring it to a Kansas City VW service center to check immediately.

Fluid Leaks

Always check under your vehicle for any fluid leaks, as this can spell disaster not far down the road. Any fluids under your vehicle, other than condensation from your air conditioner, are not a good sign and are absolutely not to be ignored.

Burning Odors

It should go without saying that burning smells are always bad. If you smell something burning while using your brakes, you have an overheating problem on your hands, and you need to get to a service center immediately. We strongly recommend calling a tow truck to avoid further damage or potential hazards to your health and safety.

Service Your VW Brakes in Kansas City

Whether you live in Belton, Grandview, Raymore, or anywhere around KC, bring your VW vehicle to Molle Volkswagen for brake inspection and brake service. Contact us today to select a time to bring your VW down, or schedule service online to save time.

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