BMW Brakes
If you want your BMW working safely, your brakes need to be maintained. Brakes pose a significant safety risk if they are not working correctly and could cause accidents.
To make sure your brakes are in top working condition our team of BMW experts at South Coast Garage have written this guide to help owners like you.
In this blog you will find out:
- Why it’s crucial to maintain your BMW brakes
- Dangers of faulty brakes and how to avoid them
- Recognising reasons for brake issues
- Tips for keeping your BMW’s brakes in good shape
At South Coast Garage, our technicians are BMW specialists and know all about the dangers of not maintaining your braking system. We have decades of combined experience when it comes to BMWs and know every model inside out. Performing a thorough safety inspection when customers’ vehicles enter our workshop helps owners identify problems early and avoid potentially expensive repairs.
If you are a BMW owner or want to know more about this crucial safety feature then make sure to follow this guide.
If you’re looking to fix the braking system on your BMW then do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team at South Coast Garage today!
How Important are Good Brakes?
To help avoid accidents, and to reduce the risk of road dangers, your brakes need to be working perfectly. Any fault with the BMW braking system can increase its stopping distance. You want to avoid these dangers, don’t you?
If your brakes suddenly fail during driving then it could leave you with no control of your vehicle which puts you and other road users in danger.
Maintaining your brakes is an essential part of vehicle ownership and it ensures you keep safe on the road.
At South Coast Garage, we make sure your vehicle is completely safe. Contact South Coast Garage today for any brake inspections, maintenance, or repairs.
How BMW Braking Systems Work
To ensure your BMW lasts for years to come and is properly maintained you first need to have a general idea about how brakes work. In modern braking systems, there is a mix of hydraulic and electronic systems to help stop your vehicle effectively.
The main components of a braking system include:
- The brake pedal
- Callipers
- Brake pads
- A brake master cylinder
- Discs
Pushing down on your brake pedal activates a piston housed in the brake master cylinder. The piston moves pressurised fluid through the brake lines and into the callipers. Then the callipers house more pistons which forcibly clamp down the brake pads onto the brake discs or drums, eventually slowing down and stopping your BMW.
Braking systems are a key safety feature and they have increased in complexity over time. Lots of modern BMWs have sophisticated brake systems such as:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This feature stops your BMW’s wheels from locking when you hit the brakes.
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): These change how much brake power is applied depending on how your BMW is loaded.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system detects and fixes sliding or when your vehicle starts to lose control, making it much safer to drive.
How To Maintain Your Brakes Properly
To ensure your brakes are working optimally, you need to regularly maintain and inspect them. Doing so will help identify safety concerns early whilst saving on expensive repair bills.
Here are some important areas to keep an eye on for your BMW’s brakes:
- Brake Pads: These endure a lot of wear from being in contact with the discs or drums to slow down or stop your BMW. It’s important to check and change them regularly.
- Discs or Drums: These are the surfaces that the brake pads grip onto. They can wear out or get damaged over time, needing replacement or resurfacing to stay effective.
- Brake Callipers: These hold the brake pads in place and apply pressure to the discs or drums. Faulty callipers can lead to issues like seizing, sticking, or leaking brake fluid, resulting in a soft brake pedal or reduced braking power.
- Brake Lines and Hoses: These transport brake fluid from the master cylinder to the callipers. They can corrode or get damaged, potentially causing leaks and decreased brake pressure.
- Brake Fluid: Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, reducing its effectiveness. Regular checks and replacements, following your BMW owner’s manual, are essential.
- ABS Module and Sensors: The Anti-lock Braking System relies on intricate sensors to prevent wheel lock-up by adjusting braking pressure. Malfunctioning sensors can affect ABS function, compromising safety and requiring prompt repair.
Regular maintenance of these components is crucial for keeping your BMW’s brakes in good shape. Make sure not to ignore them, contact South Coast Garage today for help.
Brake Health – What You Need to Know
When driving your BMW, it’s essential to pay attention to early signs that your car’s brakes might be having problems. Look out for the following:
- Strange Sounds When Braking: If you hear squeaks or grinds when you brake, it could mean your brake pads are worn and need changing.
- Soft or Squishy Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels unusually soft, it might be because of low brake fluid or air in the brake lines, both of which are serious issues needing immediate attention.
- Car Pulling to one side: If your car veers to one side when you brake, there could be a problem with one side of your brake system or uneven wear on your brake pads.
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Modern BMWs have warning systems that alert you to brake problems like low fluid or issues with the ABS.
- Vibrations or Pulsing While Braking: If you feel vibrations or pulsing when you brake, it could indicate warped or damaged brake discs, requiring immediate professional attention.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: Any leaks of brake fluid could suggest problems with your brake lines or hoses, potentially reducing brake pressure.
To maintain optimal performance, it’s important to be proactive about checking your BMW’s brakes for these common issues. If you notice any problems, it’s best to seek help from a professional.
For reliable maintenance of your BMW’s brakes, consider regular servicing at South Coast Garage. We provide excellent service to ensure your safety on the road and offer better value than dealerships.
How to Extend the Life of Your BMW’s Brakes
To maintain your BMW’s brakes and avoid costly repairs, our experts at South Coast Garage recommend these useful tips:
- Drive Smoothly: Adopt gentle driving habits such as gradual braking and maintaining moderate speeds. This approach can extend your vehicle’s brake life.
- Watch the Load: Avoid carrying excessive weight in your BMW or towing heavy loads as it strains the brakes. Stick to the recommended load limits.
- Keep Brakes Cool: Prevent brake overheating during heavy traffic or long downhill drives to prevent premature wear. Managing brake temperature is essential for longevity.
- Check Brake Fluid Regularly: Monitor brake fluid levels and conditions as contaminated fluid, especially with moisture, can reduce braking effectiveness. Replace the fluid when needed.
- Regular Brake Inspections: Consistently inspect your vehicle’s braking system, particularly the brake pads. Replacing any worn or damaged parts ensures optimal brake performance and safety.
By following these suggestions, you can significantly extend your BMW’s brake lifespan, ensuring dependable and safe performance on every journey.
Trust BMW Specialists to Look After Your Vehicle
At South Coast Garage, our team of BMW experts are on hand to assist with maintaining your braking system. We have vast experience across all BMW models and can get yours back on the road working safely.
Here’s what makes us stand out as your nearby independent garage for BMWs in Eastbourne:
- BMW Specialists: Our team is highly skilled and focuses specifically on BMW cars. We’re experts at quickly finding and fixing any brake issues.
- Great Value Servicing: When you choose us, you get the same quality service as a dealership but at a better price.
- Tailored Maintenance: Each BMW is unique, so we provide personalised servicing to keep your car in the best possible shape.
- Safety First: Your safety matters most to us. We carefully check all aspects of your brakes to ensure they work perfectly and keep you safe on the road.
- High-Quality Brake Parts: We use only the best-in-class parts for BMWs, whether they’re official BMW parts or high-quality alternatives. You can always count on us for quality and value.
Looking for skilled BMW brake servicing? Our expert team at South Coast Garage is ready to tackle any challenges your BMW might face.
Don’t ignore brake problems – Get in touch with South Coast Garage today for reliable BMW servicing.
