Warning Light!

[emilyc327]

A warning light on my dashboard recently came on. It looks like a circle with two lines going around the circle on the sides. I think it some sort of warning about the brakes. Does anyone know for sure? Also, does it come on early or is it something i should get taken care of right away?

Thanks!!!

[volcanoblack]

Both US and Canada models have a brake warning light for the brake system. The US model says the word BRAKE and the Canada one is a circle with two arcs on the sides and an exclamation mark inside.

There is also a brake light warning light for the Canada model that has the same arcs and a bulb with an X through it inside the circle.

There is also a brake pad warning light that is a circle with two arcs on the sides and the arcs are broken lines and there is nothing in the center.


VB

[emilyc327]

It is the circle with the two arcs on the sides and teh arcs are broken lines and there is nothing in the center. What does that mean?

Thanks for your help!

[abedeng]

I think its front brake pad worn. Time to change before it hits the metal disc.

Could you check visually at the front wheels? Have you felt your brake pedal travel increase compared to previously?

[volcanoblack]

Yes, that is the brake pad warning light meaning the pads are worn and need to be replaced. When you take your wheel off and look at the pads, there should not be much pad left. You will need to replace the sensor also since the light comes on when the sensor is worn down.

Usually I like to get the rotors turned also to get rid of any uneven wear and give the pads a good surface to bed into. Some people try to save a few dollars and not do the rotors, but I would only recommend that if you truely are on a limited budget and the rotors do not have any grooves in them.

VB

[emilyc327]

Thanks for your advice. Is this a job that has to be done by the dealer or is it ok to go somewhere else? I try to avoid going to the dealer if I don't have to because they overcharge so much! I will check the front wheels today, although I haven't felt any change in the brake pedal recently.

[RickT]

Any average garage you trust will be able to change the pads for you... 1 hour job i would say seems enough time..

In regards to you saying you have not noticed a differance with the pedal... you wont... (quick basic explantion..... the more the pads wear dow, the more brake fluid goes in the the caliper to bring the pads closer to the disc so you always have to apply the same pressure on the brakes to stop...

(if you looked at your brake fulid it will more than likely look low as a lot of the fluid will be in the system. DO NOT TOP THE BRAKE FULID UP as when the new pads are installed less fluid will be required in the system due to the thicker pads and the level will rise to the correct level.)

Try having a read of this link below to help you...

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/disc-brake1.htm

Thanks

[emilyc327]

I had my brakes checked over the weekend and they say I need to get both brake pads and rotors replaced in the front and it will cost around $500. Is that reasonable? It seems like a lot to me!

[JohnPodge]

Greetings,

500 bones seems expensive for the new pads and rotors up front. Autozone sells the cheapest rotors for $45 each and pads are probably about $25 a set. Of course you will need two sets. The shop likely will install the cheapest set of rotors and pads, unless you request otherwise. Another option is to have a good friend who will help for 1/3 the price. I would love to help but I am in Indianapolis

[volcanoblack]

www.autohausaz.com

ate/brembo rotors $38.45 each = $76.90.

pagid/ate brake pads $64.91

So about $150 in parts that are good parts. I have bought from these people before and they are good suppliers.

Leaves $350 for labor and at $50 per shop hour (which is high even for our Audi dealers) that would be 7 hours of labor. shouldn't take more than about 1 hour per side including all the jacking up etc.

My advice would be to look for another shop.

VB