Get the Best Priced BMW 540i Brake Pads

Brake pads provide a friction surface to stop the brake disc from turning. This is the process by which your car slows down and stops. At the same time, the brake pads wear down a little each time you step on the pedal. Eventually, they wear so thin there's little left to provide sufficient braking power. Direct contact between the caliper and brake rotor can cause dangerous and expensive damage. Changing your brake pads regularly will prolong the life of your brakes and ensure they remain reliable.

How Brake Pads Work

Brake pads are typically constructed with metal fragments held together by a strong resin. They attach to the inner surface of the caliper, and contact the rotor surface when the brake pedal is pushed down. Pad material wears onto the rotor and the combination of material on the pad and disc creates more friction when braking, increasing efficiency. A typical brake pad is 12 millimeters thick when it is new. Once it is measured at three millimeters, a mechanic will recommend replacing it and paying the BMW brake pads replacement cost.

Symptoms of Brake Pad Wear

The sound of your brakes will usually tell you if there is excessive brake pad wear. Listen for screeching, squealing, or other high-pitched, ear-piercing sounds. There's often a metal tab that is exposed when the pads wear thin, which creates a sound when it touches the rotor. Also, as the brake pads get thinner, you may have to push your foot farther down on the pedal. More pressure may have to be applied to stop the car as well. The brake warning light is another indicator that new brake pads are needed and that the BMW brake rotors will be in danger of warping if replacements aren't installed soon. If you start to feel vibrations through the brake pedal or steering wheel, the rotors may already be warped and need to be replaced too.

When Should You Change Your Brake Pads?

Worn brake pads should be replaced right away, without delay. For mileage details, specific to your car, check the owner's manual. Depending on your driving style and the type of pad installed, brake pads can last for 25,000 up to 70,000 miles. The average for BMW OEM brake pads is more or less around 50,000 miles.

Cost of BMW 540i Brake Pad Replacement

Before taxes and other fees, replacing the front brake pads costs $250 to $342. A rear set runs in the range of $212 to $288. Brake pads are generally inexpensive, and you may likely spend more for labor than the actual parts. Still, PartsGeek.com can help you save. Just search for the 540i or 2009 BMW 328i brake pads and rotors, for example, using our user-friendly browsing options. You'll then find discounted auto parts that have been reduced in price to reflect our low overhead and will to pass on the savings. It can be affordable to do your brakes, and avoid further repairs to expensive parts down the road.