Trusted Facility for Brake Repair in West Hills, CA
Typical Brake System Complications of European Cars in West Hills, CA
Unusual Noises
You may hear a high-pitched squeaking noise when the metal indicator, equipped with the brake pads, comes in contact with the rotors, which indicates that the pads are becoming thin and need attention. However, hearing a strong grinding noise while applying the brake might indicate that the brake pads are worn completely, and the metal indicators are getting rubbed against the rotor. Moreover, minute stones or gravel stuck in the brake caliper unit can also produce this sound.
In either case, be sure to visit our garage near West Hills, CA, early, as ignoring the issue for an extended period can cause the rotors to deteriorate completely, which can be quite expensive to repair. Our experts can replace the worn brake pads with new ones, followed by verifying the rotors for any signs of damage to prevent future issues. Also, we can remove the stuck stones from the caliper using a pressure washer or some compressed air.
Spongy Brake Pedal
The brake lever should feel a bit firm while pressing it, but if it feels too soft that it can touch your car’s floor along with comparatively lesser braking efficiency, the brake system is at risk. If left untreated, it might fail at any moment, which can be truly dangerous for you, your fellow passengers, and others on the road. This usually results when the master cylinder or any other brake system components eventually wear out or develop leaks.
In this situation, without getting stressed, feel free to reach our repair facility around West Hills, CA, as soon as possible so that we can take care of the issue. We will use our specialized tools to identify the leaks and seal them if possible. In the event of multiple leaks or cracks, we will consider replacing the faulty component with a new OEM part specifically designed for your vehicle model to restore the gentle firmness in the brake pedal.
Abnormal Shudders
Brake pedal or steering wheel shaking unusually while braking? It can be a serious inconvenience. These vibrations signal that the brake rotors are now warped or have developed irregularities due to leaving the corrosion, damaged pads, or worn-out calipers unattended for a prolonged time. Sometimes, this also happens due to uneven tire wear.
Therefore, please contact us at our auto shop in the West Hills, CA, neighborhood, so we can assess whether the damage is surface-level or below the safe depth. Superficial wear can be resurfaced, but in case of deep damage, we have to swap out the rotor with a new piece to get everything back on track. We can also rotate the tires as specified in the owner’s manual if you approach us regularly, thereby preventing irregular wear on the tires.
Burning Aroma
If you could smell an unpleasant burning odor, particularly while pushing the brake pedal, it indicates overheated brake fluid. The worst part is ignoring the smell; using the brake repeatedly, even for a short time, can cause the fluid to reach its boiling point, leading to permanent failure of the brake system.
Hence, without further delay, please connect with our highly skilled professional at our service center, located near West Hills, CA, to check the brake fluid level and quality. Flushing out the old fluid and refilling the system with new, premium-quality fluid of a higher boiling point will be our remedy.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Taking care of the brakes in your German car is essential and at Bavarian Workshop, we’re here to make it easier than ever. Located in West Hills, we help drivers from throughout surrounding areas as well that include:
Whether it’s an issue with your brakes or you’d like to schedule routine service, please call or visit our shop today to book your next appointment.
Brake Repair FAQs
How often should I replace the brake pads on a European car?
As European cars are high-performance pieces, brake pad replacement should be conducted once every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. However, if you have a habit of hard braking or frequently drive on rough terrain, consider changing the pads a bit earlier.
Do European cars use different brake fluids?
We recommend using the DOT 4 brake fluid rather than DOT 3 due to its higher boiling point. However, check the manufacturer’s manual to know the right fluid type.
How often should brake fluid be changed in a European car?
The brake fluid needs to be changed every 2 years or 20,000–30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Neglecting fluid changes can lead to moisture in the system, causing dreaded rusting.
How long does a typical European brake repair take?
Typically, it takes 1–2 hours; however, repairing rotors or sensors may require additional time, depending on your vehicle’s model.
What causes brake pedal vibration?
When you brake too hard, the system runs hot, which warps the rotors, leading to unusual shudders. Other reasons are uneven pad wear or loose brake parts.