Although many car components could be identified as the ‘most important’, there’s something particularly standout-ish about the brakes.
Without brakes, it’s almost impossible to stop.
They’re critical. Neglecting them could lead to life-or-death circumstances, such as being unable to avoid a collision or losing control on a slippery road.
At Sunset VW, we boast decades of expertise in Volkswagen brakes and their crucial role. Our deep understanding of these systems equips us to guide you through the intricacies of Volkswagen brake maintenance and repairs, ensuring you know what to expect and when you might have a severe problem.
Understanding your Volkswagen braking system
Your VW has a sophisticated braking system. However, the fundamental parts are the same as the braking network on any other mainstream vehicle. These parts include the following:
- Brake discs – the discs attach to the wheel hub behind your wheel. They rotate with the wheel and the shaft, so as their rotational movement slows, so do the wheels.
- Brake pads – brake pads sit in the brake calliper, one on either side of the brake disc. Under braking, these press against the face of the disc, using frictional material to resist the rotational movement.
- Brake callipers – you have one calliper per wheel, containing the brake pads and one (or more) pistons. The hydraulic fluid in the system pushes against the piston, which, in turn, applies the brake pads to the discs, operating the brakes.
- Brake lines – the brake fluid is held in a series of brake lines and circuits. In most modern cases, the front-right and rear-left wheels are on one circuit, and vice versa. This means that should a leak develop, you’ll always have at least two wheels to bring you to a halt.
- Brake fluid – this hydraulic fluid sits in the braking system, always filling it. There shouldn’t be any air in there at any time while driving. Pressing the pedal pushes this fluid against the pistons in the callipers, activating the brakes.
A series of components are also attached to your brake pedal, including the master cylinder, brake servo and, of course, the pedal itself. Each of these must work in harmony with your foot on the pedal to bring you to a smooth and safe stop.
The importance of regular brake maintenance
Regular brake maintenance is essential to keeping your VW safe and performing well. You should have technicians carry out brake fluid replacements, disc and pad inspections and repairs according to your service schedule or as soon as you notice any potential issues.
Brake fluid changes are vital. This fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water. Over time, fluid gets into the system, decreasing your stopping power and potentially leading to brake component corrosion. In this case, the pedal will feel spongy or loose. Regularly changing or at least bleeding your brake fluid helps maintain its function and prevent this from happening. During a brake fluid change, the old fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid, ensuring that the braking system operates at its best.
Likewise, the discs and pads see the most wear and tear. They do the actual ‘stopping’. Pads must be replaced before they’re too worn out and stop working (the legal limit is 1.6mm, but it’s best to change them once they’re down to 3mm). It’s best to work on the discs simultaneously, checking for warping, cracking or excessive wear. Changing the discs with the pads is often more cost-effective and safer.
Signs of wear and tear in your VW’s brakes
Recognising the early signs of problems developing in your VW’s brakes is critical. You can prevent potential safety hazards and costly repairs by spotting them before they develop.
Here are some of the most important things to watch out for:
- Squealing noises – brake pads have a layer that acts as a warning. If you hear squealing from the brakes, it’s likely an indicator that the pads are dangerously worn and should be replaced immediately.
- Vibrations – if you feel vibrations through the brake pedal when actively braking, your brake discs are likely warped. They’ll need replacing.
- Poor responsiveness – if it takes more effort than usual to bring your VW to a halt, it’s time to have the brakes inspected. Some people describe this as a ‘spongy’ or ‘airy’ feeling in the pedal. However, this feeling doesn’t always occur with braking problems.
If you notice any of the symptoms above or anything else potentially connected to your brakes, it’s crucial to get a professional inspection immediately. Ignoring brake problems will compromise the safety of everyone on the road, and it’ll cost much more to repair the issue when it develops into something more significant. In some cases, ignoring brake issues can lead to complete brake failure, which can result in a serious accident or even loss of life.
Sunset VW in Derby is here for your brakes
At Sunset VW, our expert technicians have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and repair any brake issues your Volkswagen may encounter. When you bring your Volkswagen to Sunset VW for brake repairs, you can expect:
- Your report – we’ll listen to your concerns and the symptoms you’ve noticed when you drop the car off.
- Thorough inspection – our technicians will carefully inspect your braking system to identify the issue.
- Expert recommendations – once we find the problem, we’ll call you to explain what we’ve seen, what that means and what we recommend to fix it. We’ll also give you a quote at this stage.
- Quality parts – if you’d like us to make the repair, we’ll continue with the job. Sunset VW works with only genuine Volkswagen parts to ensure quality, reliability and safety.
- Professional service – our skilled technicians conduct the repairs with precision and care, getting you back on the road safely and swiftly.
With four decades of operating in and around Derby and specialising in all manner of Volkswagen Group vehicles, our team at Sunset VW is here and ready for anything. Should you notice any warning signs with your brakes, please don’t wait for it to worsen: contact us for a friendly chat and commitment-free quote. We’re here to help you keep your Volkswagen’s brakes in top condition for your safety and peace of mind.