What can I do to prevent my brakes from wearing prematurely?

To increase the service life of your brakes, we recommend avoiding long downtimes, removing dirt at regular intervals, and having them checked on a regular basis – for instance during the next wheel change or inspection. Keep a close eye on the traffic and try to avoid heavy or emergency braking.

Can I check the functioning of my brakes myself?

Yes, with simple measures you can test the functioning of your brakes yourself. We show you how to do it. Please note: This is not a substitute for regular checks at your Volkswagen Partner. <a href="/content/experience-fragments/onehub_pkw/au/en/static/layers/after_sales_4_0/service_repairs_part/repairs_and_checks/brakes/brake_knowledge/brake-check/master.html" target="_layer" rel="noopener noreferrer">More about Brake check</a>

Why are drum brakes increasingly being used on the rear axle of electric cars?

Mechanical brakes on electric vehicles are only activated during heavy braking due to recuperation, they can be equipped with less powerful drum brakes. These are not only cheaper to maintain, but are also less susceptible to corrosion due to the closed system.

Brake knowledge: Information on VW brakes

Brake components, possible damage and care tips: Find useful information on your brake system here.

VW service employee inspects brake on a VW car with a lamp

Did you know?

To make sure you come to a halt as safely as possible, your brakes have to put in a maximum performance.

High temperatures:
Your brakes are exposed to high temperatures in everyday traffic, especially when driving downhill.
Designed to match:
The brakes have to match the engine power, weight and maximum speed of your Volkswagen.

Practical information on brakes

Do you want to read more about the structure of your disc or drum brakes, read up on possible damage, or get some tips and tricks relating to your brakes? Find useful information on your brake system here.

What’s checked during a brake change

When changing your brakes, a Volkswagen technician will check that everything is in the right place and coordinated. Read about what has to be taken into account when the brakes are replaced.

Test criteria

Change in pairs:
The brake discs and pads of an axle should be changed in pairs to avoid one-sided wear. If they’re more worn on one side of the vehicle, your Volkswagen may drag inadvertently in one direction during emergency braking.

VW car on a lifting platform, VW service employee and customer inspect the brakes together

FAQ on brakes

Can of Volkswagen Genuine Brake Fluid on a roller container, a VW T-Cross in the background

Useful information on brake fluid

Without brake fluid, nothing works. It ensures that the pressure generated during braking is transferred to the wheel brakes. But that’s not all: Explore the product properties and benefits of brake fluid as well as further related information.