Image via Porsche Jackson.
Every part of a Porsche is designed for maximum efficiency, and the brakes are no different. Porsche’s impressive ceramic composite rotors, for example, offer more traction than ordinary cast iron rotors at only half the weight. But despite the superior quality of a Porsche braking mechanism, wear and tear eventually take their toll on any vehicle. If you ever notice the following signs of trouble, visit your local Porsche dealer at once for brake repair.
Does Your Porsche Need a Brake Repair?
Loss of Stopping Power
When brakes are used continuously, they begin to heat up. If used without pause, your rotors and brake pads can reach a staggering 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over 200 or 300 degrees puts your car at risk of brake fade. This is when the friction layer of your brake pads begins to melt, releasing a minuscule amount of gas that coats the pad, diminishing traction.
With brake fade, you’ll suddenly find your car not slowing down as promptly as it should when you press the pedal. If this happens, pull over at once and allow the temperature of your brakes to lessen. If the problem persists, have a technician take a look.
Vibrating Pedal or Steering Wheel
When overheating, even ceramic composite rotors can sometimes become damaged. Under so much pressure, the heated material can warp out of shape or become scored by the brake pads.
If one of your rotors is warped or scored, you’ll often feel pulsing vibrations through the brake pedal or even through the steering wheel. The damaged rotor might be recoverable with a special resurfacing process. But more often, you’ll need a new one.
Squealing Brake Pads
Brake pads naturally wear down over time, and modern pads are designed to emit a squealing sound once they’re almost finished. Never ignore this warning sound, as a worn-down pad can eventually damage the rotor and lose stopping power.
When you take your car in for periodical brake inspections, the technician can also keep you updated on the condition of your pads. This way, you’ll always have an idea of how much longer they’ll last.
Spongy Brake Pedal
If your brake fluid ever leaks, you’re likely to feel a spongy sensation in the brake pedal. This is a dangerous situation as leaking fluid means the hydraulic pressure inside your brake lines is reduced. You won’t be able to properly stop your Porsche until the leak is found and repaired.
Have Your Brake Fluid Changed at Your Local Porsche Dealer
A large number of vehicle problems originate from aging or leaking fluid of some kind. Aging or leaking brake fluid is perhaps the most dangerous fluid problem to have. With this in mind, it’s unwise ever to miss a scheduled brake fluid flush.
Visit your local dealership to have your fluid refreshed every two years or every 30,000 miles. And consider more frequent visits if you have a particularly brake-heavy driving style or you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or mountainous terrain, which can be punishing for the brakes of any car.
Visit Porsche Jackson today to have your brakes inspected and repaired. We’re the region’s number one provider of Porsche vehicles and also proud members of the local community.
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