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Image via Carlock Volkswagen of North Nashville
Your Volkswagen brakes must be in good working order to slow down and stop your car and are an essential safety feature keeping you and your passengers safe. Below are ways to tell if your Jetta, Taos, or Tiguan needs a brake repair from your Volkswagen dealer.
Your Car’s Brake System Warning Lights Are On
Your car’s brakes are not properly working when the brake system warning lights come on. An antilock brake system (ABS) warning light that stays on warns you that you don’t have antilock brakes. If this warning light is on, take your car to your local Volkswagen dealership as soon as possible for repairs to ensure your safety on the road.
Your Car Pulls to the Left or Right
Brake pads don’t wear down at the same rate; one side might get thin more quickly. When the brake pads are worn unevenly, or when the brake fluid is dirty, your car will not slow down and stop in a straight line but will start pulling to the left or right when you step on the brakes.
Your Car Is Leaking Brake Fluid
When there’s too little brake fluid, it will trigger the brake system warning light. If you have to top off the brake fluid regularly, check under your car for a yellow or brown puddle that looks similar to oil but is not as oily. Get leaks repaired fast because when your car runs out of brake fluid, your brakes will fail.
Your Brakes Are Unresponsive
Brakes become unresponsive when there’s not enough brake fluid, the brake pads are worn, or there’s an air leak. When you step on the brake pedal, your car will take longer to slow down and stop. The brake pedal may feel spongy like it’s sinking into the floor.
Your Hear High-Pitched Screeching or Horrible Grinding Noises
Worn brake pads cause high-pitched screeching. When you hear the sound, it’s from the built-in wear indicators warning you it’s time to replace the pads. If you don’t replace the pads, they will wear down further, and before you know it, the bare metal will grind against the rotors making horrible metallic grinding noises.
The Brakes Are Sticking
As the bare metal grinds against the rotors, it will cause friction and heat, and your brakes will begin to stick. The damage caused to the rotors will lead to high repair costs. It’s also dangerous to drive around with sticking brakes, and the best cause of action is to get your car to your dealer for repairs ASAP.
The Pedal Vibrates
When you feel vibrations through your brake pedal when you brake, even under normal braking conditions, it’s because the rotors are warped and making uneven contact with the brake pads. Excessive braking that creates tremendous friction and heat will cause rotors to warp. They also warp when they are old and thin.
You Smell Burning
Brakes that are overheating and smoking don’t work properly and can fail. If you see smoke when you apply the brakes and smell burning, pull over when it’s safe and wait for the brakes to cool down. Call your dealer immediately and ask for assistance.
If your car has any of the problems mentioned above, call Carlock Volkswagen of North Nashville now to schedule a brake system repair. The Volkswagen technicians will ensure your brake system is in excellent working condition and your car is safe on the road.
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