As a BMW owner, it’s never pleasant to hear that tell-tale screech of spongy brakes. However, neglecting it will only make things worse and lead to more costly damage.
While it may not be something you think about often, your BMW’s brakes are one feature that you need to keep in optimal working condition. Your brakes will tell you when something is wrong, you just have to listen and be aware.
LOOK AND LISTEN
There are two ways you can check for wear on your disc brakes: looking and listening. Inspect your brake pads through the gaps that exist between your wheel’s spokes. The outside pad should be pressed up against the metal rotor, with at least 1/4 inch of pad. If you see less than that, you should have your brake pads replaced or inspected.
Next, listen. Are you starting to hear a high screeching sound when you apply your brakes? That is when the indicator, a small metal shim, gives you an audible warning that your brake pads need to be replaced. If you’re hearing it regularly, don’t delay: make an appointment with your trusted brake mechanic.
There’s one exception to this, and that’s if your BMW has been sitting for a while after being exposed to water, such as after you have washed it or after a rain storm. This moisture often causes a thin layer of rust to build up on the brake rotors, but this is completely normal. When first applying the brakes, the pads press on the rust-covered rotors, causing a squealing sound for a few minutes until that rust wears off. The sound should disappear fairly quickly.
Here are the top four signs you need new brakes for your BMW.
1. FADING OR REDUCED RESPONSIVENESS
If you are noticing your brakes are not being as responsive as before, or if the pedal tends to “sink” toward the floor, this may indicate a leak in the brake system (either an air leak within the brake hose or a brake fluid leak). You will know it’s a brake fluid leak if you see a small puddle of fluid on the ground where you park your car. Brake fluid is similar in appearance to motor oil, but has a less “slimy” texture.
2. PULLING
If your vehicle tends to “pull” to one side when you are braking, this may mean the brake linings are starting to wear unevenly, or it could be that there is debris contained in the brake fluid. Your vehicle will likely need a brake adjustment or you may have to have the fluid drained out and replaced, says JD Powers.
3. GRINDING OR GROWLING
This is a loud metallic sound that just can’t be ignored, and it means the pads have worn down completely, usually beyond replacement. This grinding or growling noise results from two pieces of metal (the caliper and the disc) rubbing together. This can scratch your rotors, which will create an uneven surface. Upon inspection, your mechanic may tell you that the rotors must be “turned,” which is a process that will even out the rotor surface, or that you must have the brakes totally replaced.
4. VIBRATION
A pulsating brake pedal signals warped rotors, but it may be that your car is out of alignment). The vibration may feel like the feedback you get in the brake pedal when you make a panic stop (if your BMW has anti-lock brakes).
Warped rotors are to blame if the vibration occurs as a result of braking situations when the anti-lock brakes do not engage, caused by hard braking for long periods of time (driving slowly down a steep hill or mountain or when you are towing something). Friction is created under these conditions, which heats up the rotors and causes them to warp. You feel the vibration because the brake pads can’t evenly grab the surface. If you continue to drive under these conditions, you will have to stop here and there to make sure your brakes can cool off sufficiently.
When you keep your brakes properly calibrated, you can prevent expensive repairs later, and, most importantly, avoid an accident.
CONTACT RICK AND RAY’S AUTO PLAZA
Need brake service you can trust for your BMW? Contact us at 817-335-2073 for a free estimate on anything from broken brake lines and leaking fluid to new shoes and pads. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, don’t worry: let us handle the diagnostics and suggest the right repair or replacement.
Our Services
Alternator Replacement
Nobody plans for their car to stop working. No doubt it’s an inconvenience when an alternator replacement is suddenly necessary. Big questions loom, like how long it’ll take to do an alternator replacement, and how much the job will end up costing.
Auto Air Conditioning Repair
Dealing with auto air conditioning repair brings about a few different problems. The heat outside can get pretty intense, making you incredibly uncomfortable whenever you go anywhere in your car. On top of that, the worry about how much an auto air conditioning repair will end up costing is stressful.
Auto Electrical
Most people realize that owning a car means some maintenance and repairs, but auto electrical service can add an unexpected level of stress to the experience. Vehicle owners often wonder how long such problems will take to resolve, and just as important how much it’ll end up costing.
Brake Repair
Any brake repair work should be taken seriously and performed with care. After all, you have a lot riding on your brakes every time you press down on the pedal. At the same time, we at Rick and Ray’s Auto Plaza understand you might be concerned with how long a brake repair job will take and cost. One of our main objectives is to make the process painless, delivering superior customer service to make you a repeat customer.
Diesel Repair
Many shops don’t understand the specialized nature of diesel repair. It’s a different process than working on gas-powered vehicles, with plenty of unique considerations that must be taken into account. At Rick and Ray’s Auto Plaza, we understand the importance of your diesel vehicle. You want diesel repairs or maintenance performed correctly the first time.
Emission Repair
No one anticipates needing an emission repair, but the time does come. Instead of worrying about what it means, trust the professionals to resolve the problem quickly and completely.
At Rick and Ray’s Auto Plaza we understand that car trouble, including a necessary emission repair, can create some stress. That’s why we work hard to make your customer experience second to none. Our goal is to ensure you’re so pleased that you keep coming back to us.
Engine Repair
Dealing with engine repair issues can be stressful. You cannot use your vehicle, your ability to get around is limited, and you’re left wondering how big the final bill will be. At Rick and Ray’s Auto Plaza we completely understand your concerns. Along with our engine repair expertise, we provide excellent customer service. In fact, we measure our success by whether or not you want to return to us for future maintenance and repairs.
Oil Change
Every vehicle needs an oil change service at regular intervals, or else some pretty big problems can crop up over time. Dirty oil will slowly wear away at different engine components, even leading to complete failure. Take the time to guard against a huge bill.
Transmission Repair
Dealing with a transmission repair can be stressful and potentially expensive. It’s a critical part of any car, because without the transmission working properly you literally won’t get very far.
Rick and Ray’s Auto Plaza understands your automotive needs. That’s why we work hard to do more than just fix your vehicle, providing you with the best customer service around. Our goal is to make every one of our customers happy, then see them again for future car maintenance and repairs.
Truck Repair
Your truck works hard just like you, so having it out of commission simply isn’t an option. Not only does an ailing truck limit how you get around, but it keeps you from tackling tough jobs. On top of it all, the stress of wondering what’s wrong, along with what your truck repairs will cost, hangs over your head.
Wheel Alignment
If you’re driving down I-35, do you feel like you’re in control of your vehicle? Are you fighting the steering wheel to hold your car straight in its lane? Or is your steering loose, causing you to wander between lane markers? You probably need a wheel alignment.
