Mercedes Brake Performance
Brake performance is vital for vehicle and occupant safety across all modes of transport, including Mercedes vehicles. A faulty brake system hinders vehicle performance and can impose a serious risk to the driver and other road users.
In this blog, we discover the risks of faulty brakes, uncover the reasons why brakes fail and offer essential tips on improving the lifespan of your brakes in your Mercedes.
At Somerset Vehicle Services we perform a wide range of repairs and maintenance across Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Whether you are a Mercedes owner or simply want to keep tabs on vehicle safety and braking systems, this blog is for you.
Let’s dive right into the importance of your braking system.
How Important Are Your Brakes? The Essential Guide
It cannot be stressed enough how important the brakes are on your Mercedes. Faulty braking systems can cause unnecessary accidents, repairs and injuries (or worse). If you encounter complete brake failure whilst driving, you will have limited control of your vehicle and could cause an accident affecting the safety of yourself and other road users.
At Somerset Vehicle Services, safety is our top priority. We know how braking issues result in a high number of incidents (as high as 25%) on UK roads. We ensure your brakes are working optimally to help reduce this incident rate.
Before exploring how we can optimise your brakes for longevity and performance, let’s uncover how Mercedes braking systems work.
How Mercedes Braking Systems Work
A mix of hydraulic and electronic components make up your Mercedes braking system. They include a brake pedal, master cylinder, brake callipers, pads and discs that all work together to slow down and stop a vehicle.
Once you press your foot down on the brake pedal, the piston housed in the master cylinder activates, sending fluid through the brake lines and to the callipers. These callipers have pistons and as they move, they press a brake pad or shoe onto a disc or drum (depending on your brake setup), causing the vehicle to slow down and eventually stop.
All modern Mercedes Benz vehicles include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that prevents the wheels from locking during braking, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which distributes braking force based on the vehicle’s weight distribution and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that includes sensors that sense skidding and when your vehicle is out of control.
How To Maintain Your Mercedes Brakes
Ensure your Mercedes brakes are in top condition by performing essential maintenance and regular inspections.
These are the most important brake system parts that you should keep an eye on in your Mercedes:
Brake pads or shoes: Over time, these components may experience wear and require replacement due to friction against the discs or drums when decelerating.
Discs or drums: Should the metallic discs or drums that engage with the brake pads or shoes exhibit signs of wear or damage, it may be necessary to consider replacement or resurfacing.
Brake callipers: Responsible for securing the brake pads or shoes and applying pressure to the discs or drums, callipers, when encountering issues like seizing, sticking or brake fluid leaks, can result in a soft brake pedal or compromised braking performance.
Brake Lines and Hoses: Vulnerable to corrosion or damage, the components responsible for sending brake fluid from the master cylinder to the callipers can develop leaks or contribute to a decrease in brake pressure.
Brake Fluid: With the ageing process of your Mercedes, the brake fluid tends to absorb moisture, subsequently reducing its boiling point and overall effectiveness. It is crucial to routinely inspect and replace the brake fluid according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
ABS Module and Sensors: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) relies on sensors to prevent wheel lockup by adjusting brake pressure on specific wheels. However, malfunctions in these sensors can lead to ABS failure, necessitating repairs.
For proper functioning braking systems, you must regularly inspect your brake system components. These include pads, discs or drums, callipers, lines and hoses and the ABS. It’s also important to regularly check and routinely replace your brake fluid as moisture can build up in the fluid over time and cause a faulty braking system.
Brake Health – What You Need To Know
There are tell-tale signs of an impending brake failure in your Mercedes. The most common signs include:
- Squeaking, grinding, or growling sounds during braking: Your Mercedes brake pads or shoes may have worn out and require replacement.
- A soft or spongy brake pedal: This could be a result of insufficient brake fluid levels or the presence of air in the brake lines.
- Brakes pulling to one side during operation: This might suggest problematic brake callipers on one side of the Mercedes or uneven wear on the brake pads or shoes.
- Dashboard warning indicators: Certain Mercedes models feature warning lights that will light up to signal brake system issues, such as low brake fluid levels or ABS irregularities.
- Vibration or pulsation while braking: Occasionally, this occurs when the discs or drums of the Mercedes are warped or damaged.
- Brake fluid seepage: This could signify a problem with the Mercedes’ brake lines or hoses, resulting in reduced brake pressure.
It’s vital that, as a responsible Mercedes owner, you learn what to look out for during everyday driving, especially if you hear any unusual noises or have reduced braking performance. In this instance, we recommend seeking professional help as soon as possible.
By taking your Mercedes to us at Somerset Vehicle Services for routine maintenance and inspections, you are safe in the knowledge that your Mercedes brakes are functioning as they should.
How To Make Your Mercedes Brakes Last Longer
Making sure your brakes are long-lasting, can prevent you from shelling out on expensive repairs in the future. At Somerset Vehicle Services, we have compiled a set of tips to ensure your brakes last for years to come:
- Practise Safe Driving: Avoid excessive braking, high speeds and abrupt stops to enhance the longevity of your Mercedes brakes.
- Minimise Overloading: Overburdening your Mercedes or towing a weighty trailer can exert additional stress on the braking system.
- Controlling Heat: Prolonged exposure to higher temperatures, such as during traffic jams or descending slopes, may lead to brake fade, diminishing their effectiveness.
- Monitoring Brake Fluid: Keep a close watch on the levels and quality of your Mercedes’ brake fluid and replace it as necessary. The presence of moisture in the brake fluid can lower its boiling point, potentially affecting performance.
- Regular Brake System and Brake Pad Inspections: Consistent assessments of your Mercedes’ brake system are essential for maintaining optimal functionality. Look out for leaks and monitor the wear of the brake pads, promptly replacing any damaged or worn components to uphold secure and efficient braking.
Ensuring your Mercedes is performing its best by following these regular maintenance tips for your braking system.
Ensuring Your Mercedes Brakes Work At Their Best – Trust The Experts
For essential brake system maintenance in your Mercedes, using our professional team at Somerset Vehicle Services is vital. We have expert knowledge of all Mercedes Benz vehicles and can identify and fix any braking issues.
This is why we are rated higher than the main Mercedes dealers in the local Somerset area:
- Skilled Professionals: Our team of experts is highly proficient in Mercedes brake systems. We also possess the expertise to accurately identify and address any issues related to the braking system.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Our repair and maintenance services offer superior value compared to local Mercedes dealerships.
- Personalised Attention: Our Mercedes specialists deliver tailored services based on your specific requirements.
- Prioritising Safety: Our proficient technicians always prioritise safety, ensuring that your Mercedes’ braking system operates at its best, adhering to the manufacturer’s standards.
- Premium Components: We take pride in supplying high-quality Mercedes brake parts. Our skilled technicians use premium-grade components that adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications, whether they are genuine or high-quality equivalents. This ensures optimal brake performance and lasting results.
Reach out to Somerset Vehicle Services today for the best brake care for your Mercedes. With a team of highly skilled specialists behind us, we deliver accurate diagnosis and repair procedures that ensure your safety and vehicle longevity. Contact us now for all your Mercedes needs!
