Mercedes-Benz of St. Petersburg
Notice something about your brakes? Maybe they’re squeaky, or they just don’t seem to have the same power that they used to. If you’re hearing strange sounds when you press on the brake or you can’t stop as fast or as hard as you were able to before, there’s a good chance it’s time for your regular brake service.
Bad brakes can be a huge hazard, potentially putting not only you but your loved ones at risk. Worn down brake pads or low brake fluid can both lead to issues with your brakes working properly, and need to be checked regularly to ensure your Mercedes-Benz can brake properly, especially in case of an emergency.
The good news is that brake service is simple and easy, particularly if you take it to the Mercedes-Benz-trained expert technicians at Mercedes-Benz of St. Petersburg. If you think you’re in need of brake service, schedule an appointment online or visit our world-class service center in person today.
The Mercedes-Benz brake system has several different components. First, the brake pads are what make physical contact with your brake rotor and places the pressure necessary to stop your wheels from spinning. More often than any other component, when it comes to brake service, you’ll typically hear of needing a brake pad replacement.
Next, the brake calipers are what actually press down on the brake pads against the brake rotors. The brake hoses carry the brake fluid from the brake link to the calipers, while the backing plate and return spring hold the entire braking system together.
The anti-lock brake system helps maintain traction on the ground while driving. The heat shield prevents grime buildup, while the master cylinder converts the pressure placed on the brake pedals to funnel the brake fluid into the brake circuit, which helps power the rest of the braking system.
If you think you might need brake repair, there are several signs you can look for to confirm. Here are four signs to look for:
Typically, this is where you should start. If your vehicle has a brake warning light, this should light up when the system detects issues with your brakes. If you’re not sure if you have one, check your vehicle’s handbook and what symbol you should be looking for.
The sound of metal either banging together (a “clink”) or grinding are both signs of worn-down brakes.
The sound of metal grinding could suggest that your brake drums need to be re-lubricated. The sound of clinking, though, suggests a brake pad might be loose. There are several different metallic sounds you might hear if your brakes are wearing down, so it’s important to get your vehicle checked if you’re hearing anything like that.
If you notice that your vehicle has started shaking when braking, that’s another common sign of brake issues. Specifically, it suggests that you may have a damaged brake pad or even a warped rotor. If you typically drive through or in very high temperatures, this is much more likely to be the case.
This might be the most common sign, but can be a difficult one to pick up on. As your brake fluid wears down, your brake pedal can become less and less responsive, leading to the feeling that you need to press down further on the pedal to get the same effect. If you’ve noticed this, it’s time to get your brakes checked.
Typically, regular brake service is suggested every 20,000 - 60,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first (similar to how your oil change works, but less often).
Your Mercedes-Benz brake rotors typically need to be replaced about every 30,000 - 80,000 miles, less often than your brake pads. You can replace two or more rotors at a time, typically with the two front rotors wearing down faster than the two rear rotors, so often you’ll want to replace them in twos starting with the front.
If you’ve noticed your brakes being less responsive lately, your vehicle is shaking while braking, or a metallic sound is coming from inside your Mercedes-Benz while driving (or you simply noticed your brake warning light turn on), it’s best to take your vehicle in to get checked.
For world-class Mercedes-Benz brake service, you can count on, with Mercedes-Benz-certified technicians and authentic Mercedes-Benz parts, visit Mercedes-Benz of St. Petersburg. It’s no surprise why so many Pinellas Park drivers trust Crown with their Mercedes-Benz. Our world-class service center offers only the best in service and parts and is committed to making your service visit both fast and stress-free. Schedule your next service appointment with Mercedes-Benz of St. Petersburg today.
