Your brakes are one of your vehicle’s most vital safety features, so it’s important to know the signs of when it’s time to schedule a brake job. Typically, these fall into one of two categories: noises or pulsation in the brake pedal. 

Understanding Brake Noises

The majority of brake pads on the market are designed with an audible brake wear indicator. This is a small piece of metal that rubs against the brake rotor once the friction material on the brake pad has worn down to the point that it should be replaced. When this happens, it will create a noise that sounds like a chirp or squeal. Although you’ll still be able to stop safely, this noise is an indicator that you should have your brakes serviced soon. 

If you ignore the sounds coming from the brake wear indicator and don’t have your brakes serviced, it will eventually progress into a grinding noise. This is much more serious because it means that the friction material on the brake pads is completely worn away and the metal parts of the brake are grinding against the rotor. 

Without the friction material, the brake pad can’t stop your wheels nearly as well; the metal-on-metal contact will also damage your rotors. You may need to have the rotors resurfaced or replaced—which costs significantly more than simply replacing your brake pads.

Brake Pedal Pulsations

If the brake pedal pulsates when you push it down, you could have warped or uneven rotors. When the rotors aren’t in perfect alignment, they push against the brake pads when you brake, which causes the brake pedal to pulsate or vibrate. 

This could be because the rotor and wheel hub don’t fit together properly, which causes the rotor to spin off-center. The misalignment could stem from either the rotor or the hub, or even a combination of the two. If you wait too long to address the issue, the rotor may start to wear unevenly and develop varying thicknesses, leading to more intense pulsations. When the brake pad and the rotor don’t match up evenly during braking, there’s less contact, which reduces your braking power.

Other Signs That It’s Time for a Brake Service

While the signs mentioned above are the most typical, several other indicators can let you know when it’s time to book a brake service appointment. These include:

• Your vehicle veers to one side when you hit the brakes
• It takes longer than normal to come to a complete stop
• Visible grooves on the rotors
• Low brake fluid levels
• Brake fluid leaks
• A burning smell when you hit the brakes
• The brake warning light is on
• A spongy or soft brake pedal

Schedule a Brake Job Today at EuroCar Service

Whether you’ve noticed any of the above signs or it’s been a while since you’ve had your brakes serviced, contact the skilled team at EuroCar Service. Founded in 1981, we’re committed to providing high-quality auto repairs and maintenance that keep your vehicle reliable and safe on the road. We specialize in all European makes, including BMW, Fiat, Mercedes, Land Rover, Audi, Mini-Cooper, Saab, Jaguar, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Smart Car. Call us today at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online. 

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Although hybrid and electric vehicles are on the rise, many of us still rely on gas-powered cars to get us where we need to go. Gas prices being what they are, it’s always helpful to find ways to make your vehicle more fuel-efficient. The good news is that preventive maintenance can go a long way in improving fuel economy and preventing more expensive repairs. Here are just a few things you can do to keep your car running as efficiently as possible.

Proactive Maintenance for Better Fuel Economy

It’s a simple equation: the better you take care of your car, the less fuel it will consume. By keeping up with the following preventive maintenance tasks, you can enjoy significant savings over time: 

1. Replace Your Engine Air Filter: A clogged engine air filter restricts airflow to the engine, which affects the combustion process. Replacing the engine air filter regularly will not only ensure your engine performs well, but can also lead to immediate fuel savings.

• Keep the Fuel System Clean: A dirty fuel system, clogged fuel filters, and grimy fuel injectors can all lead to unnecessary fuel wastage. Regular fuel system cleaning can decrease fuel consumption and increase your engine’s power output.

• Pay Attention to the Check Engine Light: Ignoring the Check Engine light can be a costly mistake. Some issues that trigger the light to come on, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can drastically reduce fuel efficiency. Addressing check engine light issues promptly will help you save fuel and potentially prevent engine damage. 

• Get Regular Tune-ups: Tune-ups enhance fuel economy, so you should consider having them performed regularly. This includes staying on top of routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and transmission and cooling system services. Remember, vehicles with dirty or low fluids work harder, using more fuel.

• Tire Maintenance: Under-inflated tires aren’t just a safety hazard—they can also increase fuel consumption. Similarly, wheels that are out of alignment can cause your car to use more gas than necessary. Regular tire inspections and maintenance are the best ways to prevent these issues.
• Check Your Gas Cap: A loose or faulty gas cap allows fuel to escape the gas tank. Check that your cap is screwed on tightly; if you notice it seems faulty, loose, or damaged, have it replaced. 

The Bottom Line: Maintenance Matters!

Keeping up with your car’s maintenance schedule is crucial for fuel efficiency and preventing breakdowns. Follow the service recommendations in your owner’s manual, or talk to our service advisors to determine the best maintenance intervals for your vehicle and driving habits. This not only saves money but also keeps your car running smoothly and efficiently. 

Located in Seattle’s University District, EuroCar Service has been providing high-quality auto care since 1981. As a full-service auto repair shop, our ASE-certified technicians offer everything you need to keep your vehicle running its best, including inspections, maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs. We work on all European makes, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Fiat, Volvo, Volkswagen,Saab, Jaguar, and Smart Car. 

Schedule an appointment with us today at (206) 527-8828, or request an appointment through our online form.  

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All vehicles come equipped with a variety of safety features, but few have as large of an impact on your safety as the braking system. The ability to come to a swift, controlled stop is crucial for avoiding accidents and protecting the well-being of you, your passengers, and other drivers—so keeping your brakes in good shape is vital. 

There are two types of braking systems used in passenger vehicles: drum brakes and disc brakes. Disc brakes (which European automakers have long favored) have become the preferred braking system worldwide and are now found in the majority of vehicles. Although they offer many advantages over drum brakes, regular maintenance is still necessary to keep them in top condition. 

In this blog post, we’ll go over how disc brakes work, why European models need special attention, and some of the most important steps you can take to give your vehicle safe and reliable stopping power. 

How Brakes Work: Disk Brakes vs. Drum Brakes

Drum brakes (which consist of a brake drum, brake shoes, and a wheel cylinder) operate within the wheel assembly. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to the cylinder, causing the brake shoes to press against the inner surface of the brake drum. This friction generates heat and slows down the rotation of the wheel, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Disc brakes (which consist of the rotor, caliper, and brake pad) also use hydraulic pressure to engage the brakes. When the driver presses the pedal, hydraulic pressure activates the brake caliper, causing brake pads to squeeze against the rotor. The friction this generates slows down the wheel’s rotation and brings the vehicle to a stop. 

Disc brakes are known for having better heat dissipation, reduced fade, and improved overall performance compared to drum brakes. While they were both patented in the same year (1902) it took half a century before the disc brakes became cost-effective and practical to use in passenger vehicles. Jaguar was among the first automakers to recognize the superiority of disc brakes and led the way in making them the standard for modern-day vehicles. 

Why European Vehicles Need Specialized Brake Care

It’s no secret that European makes are known for delivering top-notc performance, and their brake systems play a crucial role in this. Brands like Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Volkswagen have more intricate and high-performing brake systems that demand more care. In addition, European regulations are stricter when it comes to brake components, which is partly due to the challenging conditions drivers face on European roads. 

So, the brakes are built to handle these extremes—and European manufacturers also like to stay ahead when it comes to technology. From ABS to Electronic Fuel Injection, European automakers adopt new tech early, and that extends to their braking systems. 

Some European models come equipped with high-performance brake systems that include materials requiring specialized care during maintenance, such as carbon ceramic. Additionally, brake rotors in European high-performance vehicles are often larger compared to domestic models, and they may have distinctive features like being drilled, slotted, and coated. These characteristics mean that special attention is necessary when performing maintenance on these brake systems.

Disc Brake Maintenance 

Every time you brake, it wears away a small amount of the friction material—a lot like how a pencil eraser wears down with each use. When this material gets too low, it reduces the effectiveness of braking. If you wait too long to replace the brake pads, it can eventually cause the metal part of the pad to rub against the rotors. This metal-on-metal contact not only compromises your ability to stop effectively, but can also lead to significant rotor damage. 

If you hear squealing or grinding when you use the brakes, schedule an appointment to have them inspected. Our technicians will check all the brake components to make sure they’re working properly, and let you know if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. Rotors can be warped and cracked, and the calipers can wear out over time as well, so regular inspections are essential to ensure all the components are in good condition. 

Here are some typical replacement intervals; keep in mind that this can vary depending on your make, model, and typical driving conditions:

• Brake pads: Every 10,000 to 20,000 miles 
• Rotors: Every 50,000 to 70,000 miles
• Calipers: Every 100,000 miles or 10 years

Your brakes rely on brake fluid to create the hydraulic pressure needed to squeeze the brake pads against the rotors. Like engine oil, brake fluid breaks down over time; it also absorbs moisture from the air, which causes further degradation and lowers its efficacy. This is why it’s important to change the brake fluid at the intervals recommended in your owner’s manual. Although it can vary depending on your make and model, brake fluid replacements are typically recommended every one to two years. 

If you notice any other signs of brake problems, such as: 

• Difficulty coming to a complete stop
• An illuminated brake service light on the dashboard
• Odd pulsations or vibrations in the brake pedal 
• A spongey brake pedal

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Ignoring a brake issue for too long not only puts your safety at risk—it can also lead to more expensive repairs. 

Visit Your Local European Auto Care Experts

If you need brake inspections, repairs, or maintenance, turn to the experts at EuroCar Service. We specialize in complete care for European makes, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Fiat, Volvo, Volkswagen, Saab, Jaguar, and Smart Car. Schedule an appointment today at (206) 527-8828, or request an appointment through our online form.  

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One of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle in top condition (and prevent repairs) is to keep up with your preventive maintenance. However, if you look in your owner’s manual, you’ll see there are two different maintenance schedules listed: “normal” and “severe.” 

Many drivers assume that their maintenance should fall under the normal category, when in fact, they should be following the severe service schedule. Here’s a closer look at maintenance schedules and how to tell which one you should be following. 

Understanding Maintenance Schedules

Every owner’s manual comes with maintenance schedules that have been pre-determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer based on driving conditions. The “normal” service schedule typically involves less demanding driving conditions, such as regularly taking long trips on the highway. However, approximately 80% of drivers fall under the “severe” service category, which includes many common everyday conditions like driving in stop-and-go traffic or short trips. 

The normal maintenance schedule usually involves a review of the entire vehicle, while the severe schedule (which has more frequent intervals) mainly focuses on inspecting and replacing the automotive fluids. Oil change intervals, for example, can vary significantly between normal and severe driving conditions. If you’re changing your oil at the normal interval, but should be following the severe schedule, it can cause more wear and tear on your engine over time. 

Should You Be Following the Severe Maintenance Service Interval?

When determining which maintenance schedule to follow, it’s important to look at your typical driving conditions; climate can also play a role. If your driving typically includes any of the conditions below, you should be following the severe service interval:

• Most of your trips are less than four miles
• Frequent idling for long periods (such as stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic)
• You regularly drive in very hot or very cold weather 
• Frequent driving in dusty conditions, like gravel or dirt roads
• Driving up steep hills on a regular basis
• You regularly tow a boat or trailer, haul heavy loads, or carry heavy items on your roof rack
• You routinely drive at low speeds (not on the highway)

Keep in mind that fleet vehicles (like tow trucks or delivery vehicles) experience more wear and tear than the average driver’s daily commuter; because of this, they should be following the severe service maintenance schedule. 

If you’re still not sure which category your driving falls under, talk to your service advisor. They can help you determine the best schedule based on your specific model and driving conditions. 

Get the Right Services at the Right Time

Everyone wants to keep their vehicles running well for as long as possible. By following the right service schedule and prioritizing regular maintenance, you’ll not only extend your vehicle’s life but also minimize unexpected repair costs—and enjoy a smoother, safer driving experience.

Whether you need repairs or maintenance, your vehicle is always in excellent hands at EuroCar Service. We specialize in complete care for European makes, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, Mini-Cooper, Fiat, Volvo, Volkswagen, Saab, Jaguar, and Smart Car. Schedule an appointment with us today at (206) 527-8828, or request an appointment through our online form.  

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