Brakes and Brake Parts

Worn-Down Brake Pads

To refresh your memory, there are four types of brakes that vehicles use: disc, drum, emergency and anti-lock. Your vehicle most likely has disc brakes since they’re the most common. Now, imagine yourself approaching a red light. When you slowly press your brake pedal, a set of calipers press against the rotors, or the discs. The calipers are topped with brake pads, and those pads create the friction with the rotor to slow your vehicle in order to come to a complete stop. Even if one part is compromised, the entire braking system is placed in jeopardy.

Since you use your vehicle’s brakes often, your brake pads are always in a state of decline. Neglecting to replace the pads when they’re worn thin can damage your rotors, so we recommend that they stay somewhere around a quarter of an inch thick.

Frequent Stop-and-Go Traffic

So what causes your brakes to work hard? Congested highways and heavy city traffic. If you live in the city or take busy highways on your way to work, your car is getting a workout from all the veering, slowing, starting and stopping. And if this sounds like you, your vehicle will need frequent service to keep up with the wear and tear on its braking system. Our service technicians here at our service center recommend having your vehicle’s brakes serviced every time you have your tires rotated, or every six months. Aggressive drivers will need their brakes inspected more often, like with every oil change.

Warning Light Indicators

Just as with any warning light that turns on, when you see your brake light flicker on your dash, it’s time to call us for service. If your vehicle is taking longer to come to a complete stop, that’s a major sign that your brakes need service ASAP. If you notice a strange vibration that happens when you press the brake pedal, your vehicle’s brake pads most likely need to be replaced.

And, if you hear your brakes screech when stopping, that’s their own way of warning you that it’s almost time for a brake pad replacement. Your calipers are close to grinding against your rotors, and that unnerving sound helps you remember.

Be Smart. Be Vigilant. Be Safe.

Here at Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta Northeast, we pride ourselves in our quality service and friendly manner. We extend our services to all makes and models, but our favorite vehicles to see for their regular maintenance are our luxurious Mercedes-Benz models. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, we would be happy to help give your brakes the power they need to stop immediately. Keep others (and yourself) safe on the road, and let the experts do the work for you.