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

C Deselle • December 20, 2024

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.

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Top 3 causes of BMW Oil leaks

By C Deselle • February 12, 2025

Oil leaks are one of the most common issues BMW owners encounter. While these leaks might seem like minor inconveniences, ignoring them can lead to costly repairs and potentially serious damage to your engine. At TMJ Bimmers, we’ve seen and repaired countless BMW oil leaks, and three culprits consistently top the list: valve cover leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks, and oil pan gasket leaks. Let’s break down these issues, their causes, and how they can be resolved. 1. Valve Cover Gasket Leak What It Is: The valve cover sits on top of your BMW’s engine and seals the valve train. Over time, the gasket that seals the valve cover becomes brittle and starts to leak. This is particularly common in models like the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and X Series vehicles, especially those with higher mileage. Signs of a Problem: A burning oil smell due to oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold. Visible oil leaks around the top of the engine. Check engine light (CEL) due to misfires caused by oil seeping into the spark plug wells. Engine running rough or noticeable performance issues. Causes: High engine temperatures causing gasket material to degrade. Normal wear and tear due to age and usage. Improper installation or over-tightening during previous repairs. Waiting too long between oil changes; Extended oil change intervals leading to sludge buildup, which accelerates wear. Potential Consequences : If left unchecked, a valve cover gasket leak can lead to more severe problems, such as damaged ignition coils or fouled spark plugs. This can result in misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and costly repairs. How We Fix It : At TMJ Bimmers, we replace the valve cover gasket with a high-quality OEM or aftermarket part, ensuring proper torque specifications to prevent future leaks. We also inspect the valve cover itself for cracks, which can occur on older models. After the repair, we thoroughly clean the area to remove any residual oil. 2. Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak What It Is : The oil filter housing gasket seals the connection between the oil filter housing and the engine block. Over time, this gasket can deteriorate, leading to leaks. This issue is particularly common in turbocharged BMW engines, such as the N54 and N55. Signs of a Problem: Oil pooling near the front of the engine. Unexplained decreased oil levels between oil changes. Visible oil stains on the engine or driveway. Unusual engine noises caused by low oil pressure. Causes : Exposure to heat and pressure, which breaks down gasket material over time. Age-related wear, especially in vehicles with over 60,000 miles. Poor-quality replacement gaskets from previous repairs. Waiting too long between oil changes; Delayed oil changes causing sludge buildup around the gasket. Potential Consequences: Ignoring an oil filter housing gasket leak can cause engine components to wear prematurely. It can also lead to low oil pressure, which in extreme cases, can result in engine failure. How We Fix It: We’ll replace the failing gasket and thoroughly clean the area to ensure no residual oil remains. During the repair, we’ll inspect nearby components like the oil cooler gasket, as it’s often affected in tandem. Additionally, we check for oil contamination in the cooling system, which can occur if the issue is left unresolved for too long. 3. Oil Pan Gasket Leak What It Is: The oil pan gasket seals the oil pan to the bottom of the engine. This gasket can fail, especially in older or high-mileage BMWs. Vehicles that experience frequent stop-and-go driving or those exposed to harsh road conditions are particularly susceptible. Signs of a Problem: Oil spots on your garage floor or driveway. Visible oil dripping from the underside of the car. Low oil level warning on the dashboard. Increased oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs. Causes: Damage from road debris or impacts causing stress on the oil pan. Long-term wear and exposure to heat, which weakens gasket material. Over-tightened bolts leading to gasket compression and failure. Improper installation during previous repairs. Potential Consequences : An untreated oil pan gasket leak can lead to low oil levels, causing inadequate lubrication of engine components. Over time, this can result in excessive wear, overheating, and potentially catastrophic engine damage. How We Fix It: Replacing an oil pan gasket involves removing the oil pan, cleaning the mating surfaces, and installing a new gasket. This process requires precision and care, as improper installation can lead to further leaks. While the oil pan is off, we inspect for sludge or debris to ensure the engine stays in optimal condition. We also replace the engine oil and filter as part of the service. Why Do BMWs Experience Oil Leaks? BMWs are known for their precision engineering and high-performance engines. However, these characteristics also make them more prone to oil leaks due to: Higher operating temperatures compared to many other vehicles. The use of synthetic oil, which can expose weaknesses in gaskets over time. Complex engine designs with multiple gaskets and seals. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping your BMW in peak condition. Why Choose TMJ Bimmers for Your BMW Repairs? Oil leaks are more than just a nuisance—they can compromise your engine’s performance and longevity. At TMJ Bimmers, we specialize in BMW maintenance and repairs, offering: Expertise : Our team is trained to diagnose and repair common BMW issues efficiently. High-Quality Parts : We use OEM and premium aftermarket parts to ensure durability and reliability. Transparent Communication : We’ll walk you through the repair process and provide clear, upfront pricing. Comprehensive Inspections : Every repair includes a thorough inspection to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. If you suspect your BMW has an oil leak, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today at 713.384.2273 or visit tmjbimmers.com to book your appointment at our Houston shop to have your vehicle inspected. Let’s keep your BMW running smoothly and leak-free for miles to come!