How Often Should You Replace Your VW’s Brake Pads?

It goes without saying that good car maintenance is essential both for your pocket and to enhance your driving experience. However, neglecting the braking system will also significantly increase the risk of accidents, cause irreparable damage to your car and even risk your life. Staying alert to the condition of your brake pads is crucial, so here’s our list of signs that you should contact your VW dealer to get them replaced.

Is It Time To Contact Your VW Dealer for New Brake Pads?

The pads are the components of your braking system that apply friction to the wheels, causing them to slow. On a Volkswagen, the pads should typically last for about 50 000 miles, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the odometer to stay broadly aware of the right time to schedule a replacement.

However, this figure is variable, and it’s still important to stay alert to warning signs that your pads are past their best.

Driving Conditions

There are some driving conditions that will put extra pressure on your braking system and will cause your pads and shoes to wear out more quickly. These can include:

• Driving in heavy, stop-start traffic
• Hilly terrain, requiring increased braking on the downslopes
• Dusty conditions, leading to greater corrosion
• A heavy or loaded vehicle, which puts more pressure on the pads

Drivers who habitually “ride the brake” will also wear them out more quickly, so be honest about your driving habits and think carefully about the demands on your car when deciding whether it’s time to schedule a checkup.

Warning Sounds

Your car has ways of letting you know when the braking system is under stress. A high-pitched squealing will definitely undermine your enjoyment of your Volkswagen, but it’s actually a deliberate warning system designed to let you know that your pads are too thin. Low-pitched grinding and growling means that the steel components of your braking system are exposed, resulting in metal-on-metal friction and potentially causing serious damage. 

It doesn’t cost much to replace the pads, but ignoring these noises will result in costly repairs. If you hear anything unusual when you apply the brakes, book a brake service as soon as you can.

Strange Sensations

If your brake pedal vibrates, feels spongy, depresses too easily, or is difficult to push down, it might mean that the braking system is under stress. A car that pulls to one side when braking might have uneven wear on the pads. These signals should also be an impetus to get the brakes checked out.


So for the sake of your pocket, your driving experience, and your road safety, it’s worth staying alert to the health of your braking system and the condition of your pads. Contact us at Tom Bush Volkswagen to book a brake service, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your car is in the very best of hands.

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