When to Schedule Your VW’s Comprehensive Brake System Checkup

Your VW has a very efficient and responsive braking system that allows you to control your speed at any time. Brakes depend on a combination of pressure and force to work effectively, and this means that brake components will wear out over time. As your Volkswagen dealer, we want to tell you how a regular brake check-up can keep the system in great shape.

From Your Volkswagen Dealer: How Brakes Work and Why You Need a Brake Check-Up

How Brakes Work

When you hit the brakes, the force you apply passes through the brake pedal to the brake pedal booster. This component uses a vacuum system to increase the force applied by 10x. This force moves the highly pressurized brake fluid through the hoses to the brake calipers. A caliper is positioned above each wheel rotor and held open by a pin.
Brake fluid forces the pins out of the calipers, which close on both sides of each wheel rotor simultaneously. Each caliper contains a brake pad that generates friction against the smooth surface of the rotor, and this friction slows and stops the rotor’s movement. When you release the brake pedal, the brake fluid withdraws, the pins slide back into the caliper, and they release the rotors so your wheels can move again.

What Happens During a Check-Up?

Our VW-trained technicians carefully examine all the braking system components for wear or damage. They test each component to ensure that it’s working effectively. Components like brake pads, which gradually wear down, are examined and replaced, and the brake fluid is tested, drained, and replaced with fresh fluid.
The brake master cylinder, which controls the braking system, is thoroughly examined, as any issue with the cylinder will affect the entire system. All rubber brake hoses and metal brake lines are checked for leaks. Once all components have been tested, the system is tested to confirm that all components work smoothly and efficiently.

Signs You Need a Check-Up

A check-up is usually performed every 10,000 miles, but this could be different for your VW model. The correct schedule for a check-up is listed in your car manual. You might need a check-up if our brakes aren’t working as well as they should. Screeching or grinding noises, chemical smells, or your VW pulling to one side when you brake are all signs that something is wrong.
Most brake system issues are quick to repair and very inexpensive. We advise visiting us immediately if any issue develops, as a brake-related problem will worsen as time passes, and unreliable brakes are a major cause of accidents.

Don’t risk driving with bad brakes. Contact our service department today at Tony Volkswagen in Waipahu, HI. Our technicians will ensure you drive away with a perfect barking system.

Tags: Brakes, Tony Volkswagen Waipahu
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