5 Signs That Your BMW Has Brake Problems

Brakes are one of the primary components of automobiles. Brakes are very much vital for every vehicle. A proper controlling can be done it there is a good brake system. Brakes make the vehicles slow or stop to avoid accidents. So brake problems should not be taken lightly. In this article, you will know about the most common signs of failing brake.

Signs of failing brake

There are many signs of brake problem but I’m gonna share you some common signs.

Brake warning light is on

The brake warning light on dashboard may get turned on if there are issues in the brake system. It warns that the brake may fail soon and it should be taken for inspection. This is the simplest way to know that your brakes are failing. There can also be a brake fluid light which indicates that the brake fluid is low and you have to top up the fluid.

Brake pedals are spongy

In hydraulic brakes, a fluid is used push the brake pads to stop a wheel by creating hydraulic pressure in the fluid. If there is low fluid in the reservoir of the brake system, then the brake would lose their effectiveness. The pedals would get pressed easily but will not be effective at all. For example, you are pressing the pedal fully so that it touches the floor, but the car continues to run for 5- 10 seconds and then stops. So spongy brake pedals can be dangerous and can cause accidents.

Squealing and squeaking sounds

Such squeaking sounds will be heard when there is wearing of brake pads. These sounds are produced by a wear indicator when the brake pads wear off and becomes thin, then the metal indicators gets in contact with brake rotors.

Grinding sound

A grinding sound from brakes is a good sign of brake issue. This sound is produced in two ways mainly, by small gravel stuck at brake calipers or by completely worn brake pads.

Vibrating brake pedals

The brake pedals vibrate when the brake rotor smears and the brake pad gets worn off and heated too. It will feel you like the brakes are loosened and have become unstable. It is a sign of warped brakes. The braking power is reduced and it would take a long time to slow down your car.

Burning smell

The burning smell is produced when the brake system overheats, leading to boiling of the brake fluid.

Pulling to one side

If you apply brake pedals and the car gets pulled or turned to another direction without application of steering, then there can be damage in brake apparatus. The uneven wearing of brake pads causes such problem. If such things happen to your car for a long time, then the steering system may fail.

Leaked fluid

If you find a yellow or light brown fluid under your car or at the surface of tires, then know that your brake fluid is leaking.

How to diagnose the brake issues?

If the warning light is on, then you can take your car to a professional mechanic for inspection of braking system. If there is leaking of brake fluid then there will be other signs of leakage or low fluid. The mechanic will check the whole braking system to get to know about the leakage area. He may change the defective or damaged component so that leakage will be stopped and then he would top up the fluid. Then the brake pads will get checked. Worn brake pads are much thinner and are to be replaced. If there is squealing sounds or shaking of brake pedals and steering, then rotor can be the culprit. Worn out rotors are to be replaced. Some experienced mechanic can resurface the rotor without replacing it. If the caliper is culprit then, it should be checked properly and then cleaned to remove the debris and other stuck small rocks.

Conclusion

Issues with brakes can be a serious problem because it can cause accidents. It will be very much difficult to control the car if brake fails. So immediate action must be taken by the owner when there are signs of brake issues.

With over 30 years of experience, Euro Pro is one of the largest car service centers in Both South & North Carolina. It houses very friendly and well-experienced ASE certified technicians who have over 35 years of experience working with German cars.