Your BMW is a high-performance automobile, so you need to be able to rely on your brakes every time you press down on the brake pedal. It is recommended that you have the brakes inspected annually or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. MMS Automotive services BMW and MINI brake systems. We also repair them. The following signs indicate that your brakes need service or repair right away.
ABS/Brake Light
As you know, your dashboard has an ABS and Brake light on it. These lights turn on briefly at the start of your automobile. The Brake light will also turn on when you set the parking brake. If these lights turn on any other time, you’ve got a problem with the antilock brake system or the brakes.
Burning Odors
Burning odors coming from your brakes indicate that they are overheating. The odors could be burning carpets, chemicals, or rubber. Any of these odors indicate a serious problem with the brake system and a higher risk of your brakes failing. Overheated brakes tend to fail.
Leaking Fluid
If you see light brown spots on your garage floor near your tires, you’ve got a leaking brake system. Specifically, brake fluid can leak out of the master cylinder or the brake lines. As with overheating brakes, a brake system that has low fluid can fail.
Soft Brake Pedal
If you notice a significant difference in how your brake pedal feels underneath your foot, you may have air in the brake lines. A soft or spongy brake pedal is also an indication that the master cylinder is malfunctioning. Your brake pedal should always give you about the same amount of resistance.
Strange Sounds
Your brake system should be silent when you apply the brakes. You should never hear sounds such as scraping or grinding. You also shouldn’t hear squeaking or squealing sounds. These sounds can indicate a problem with your brake pads or that your brake system is overheating.
Wobbling/Pulling
Finally, your BMW should not wobble or change direction when you apply the brakes. If it does, this signals an issue with the calipers or rotors. For example, the calipers will last about 100,000 miles, after which, they will need to be replaced. The rotors need to be resurfaced every 60,000 miles.
MMS Automotive in South Bay, CA, are experts and BMW and MINI service and repair. This includes the brake system so call us today if you are experiencing any of the problems listed above.
