Everything you need to know about your car’s brake system.

Maintaining a car's brakes is an essential aspect of vehicle ownership. Brakes allow the driver to slow down or stop the vehicle when needed, and they play a crucial role in helping the driver maintain control of the car. Not only do brakes help ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, but they also play a crucial role in the overall performance and longevity of a vehicle.

Having your Brakes inspected is an important part of maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. It involves thoroughly examining the brake system to identify any issues or potential problems that could impact the effectiveness of your brakes. Regular brake inspections can help identify any issues with the braking system before they become major problems. This can not only help ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road, but it can also save you money on costly repairs down the line. 

If you're unsure of the condition of your brakes, it's always a good idea to consult with a certified mechanic. They have the knowledge and expertise to thoroughly examine your braking system and identify any potential issues. Don't neglect the importance of brake inspection – make sure to regularly check and maintain your brakes for the safety and performance of your vehicle. 

How long do a car’s brakes last?

The lifespan of a car's brakes depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of brake system, the quality of the brake components, and the driving habits of the owner. In general, brake pads and rotors can last anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles, although this can vary significantly based on the factors mentioned above.

Some factors that can affect the lifespan of a car's brakes include:

Driving habits: If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or do a lot of hard braking, your brakes may wear out more quickly.

Quality of brake components: As you might expect, higher quality brake components are typically more durable and may last longer than cheaper, lower quality components. 

Road conditions: Brakes can wear out more quickly if you frequently drive on rough or uneven roads.

Maintenance: Properly maintaining your brakes and replacing worn components in a timely manner can help to extend the lifespan of your brakes. 

It is important to have your brakes regularly inspected and to replace any worn components as needed to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle. And, only expert BMW trained mechanics are highly trained and certified to deal with the complex braking systems that go into the build of these high-performance vehicles. If you notice any problems with your brakes, it is important to have them diagnosed by your local BMW independent experts and repaired as soon as possible.

Common signs that your car may need new brakes:

1) Squealing or grinding noises: If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when you brake, it could be a sign that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. If you hear a grinding noise, it could be a sign that your brake pads are completely worn out and the metal backing plate is grinding against the rotor.

2) Vibrating brake pedal: If you feel a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when you brake, it could be a sign of a problem with your brakes. 

Warped rotors: Rotors can become warped over time, especially if the brakes get very hot (such as from heavy braking or driving in stop-and-go traffic). When the rotors are warped, it can cause a vibration in the brake pedal when the brakes are applied.

Stuck caliper: A caliper that is stuck in the closed position (either partially or fully) can cause a vibration in the brake pedal. This is because the stuck caliper is not allowing the rotor to spin freely, which can cause a pulsation in the brake pedal when the brakes are applied.

Brake pad not making proper contact with rotor: If the brake pads are not making proper contact with the rotor, it can cause a vibration in the brake pedal. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a misaligned caliper, a damaged brake pad, or a rotor that is out of true.

Other issues: There are other potential causes of a vibrating brake pedal, such as a problem with the brake booster or hydraulic components of the brake system. It is best to have the problem diagnosed by a professional to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate repair.

3) Pulling to one side: If your car pulls to one side when you brake, it could be a sign of a problem with your brakes. This could be caused by a stuck caliper, a brake hose that is leaking, or a brake pad that is not making proper contact with the rotor.

Stuck caliper: A caliper that is stuck in the closed position (either partially or fully) can cause the car to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. This is because the stuck caliper is applying more braking force to one side of the car than the other.

Leaking brake hose: If a brake hose is leaking, it can cause the brake fluid to drain from the system, which can cause the brake caliper on that side of the car to not function properly. This can cause the car to pull to the side with the leaking brake hose when the brakes are applied.

Brake pad not making proper contact with rotor: If the brake pads are not making proper contact with the rotor, it can cause the car to pull to one side when the brakes are applied. This can be caused by a misaligned caliper, a damaged brake pad, or a rotor that is out of true.

4) Soft brake pedal: If you press the brake pedal and it feels soft or spongy, it could be a sign of one of teh following issues with your brake system:

Brake fluid leak: If there is a leak in the brake system, it can cause the brake fluid to drain from the system, which can lead to a soft brake pedal.

Failed brake booster: The brake booster uses engine vacuum to assist with braking power. If the brake booster is not functioning properly, it can cause the brake pedal to feel soft or spongy.

Hydraulic issues: There could be a problem with the hydraulic components of the brake system, such as the brake master cylinder or brake calipers, which can cause the brake pedal to feel soft or spongy.

5) Brake warning light: If the brake warning light on your dashboard comes on, it could be a sign of a problem with your brakes. It's important to have the problem diagnosed by a professional and repaired as soon as possible to avoid potentially dangerous driving situations. There are several potential reasons why the brake warning light might come on:

Low brake fluid: If the brake fluid level in your car is low, it can cause the brake warning light to come on. This could be due to a leak in the brake system, or simply due to normal brake wear and tear.

Failed brake booster: The brake booster uses engine vacuum to assist with braking power. If the brake booster is not functioning properly, it can cause the brake warning light to come on.

Hydraulic issues: There could be a problem with the hydraulic components of the brake system, such as the brake master cylinder or brake calipers, which can cause the brake warning light to come on.

Other issues: There are other potential issues that could cause the brake warning light to come on, such as a problem with the brake fluid pressure sensor or a malfunctioning ABS (anti-lock brake system).

If the brake warning light comes on or you experience any of the above issues, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle.