There are many luxury car owners that do not consider brake maintenance a priority until it's too late.

Don't make the same mistake and make safety a priority by knowing when your Audi brake pads need to be replaced.

The German luxury automotive manufacturer designs its vehicles with your safety in mind. However, it is also up to you, the driver, to ensure that your Audi brake pads receive the maintenance they require.

Up until the 1890s, most cars required a wooden block to come to a complete stop. Fortunately, an efficient solution was invented in 1898 by Elmer Ambrose Sperry who equipped a car with "front-wheel disc brakes and brake pads that "pinched" the rotor or disc".

Decades later, a vast majority of Audis have been engineered with electronic brake pad wear sensors. These sensors are an extremely reliable tool that informs the driver about the current wear of their brake pads. As the loop of wire wears down and disintegrates, the brake pads tatter and the sensors change their electrical resistance.

So, what role do your brake pads play in the functioning of your vehicle?

Simply put, your brakes help you slow down or stop your car, and can even prevent head-on car collisions. They are removable surfaces that make contact with your Audi's rotors which cause friction and signal your vehicle to slow down or stop.

Many drivers often disregard the warning signs that their Audi brake pads are due for a replacement. This neglect not only puts them at higher risk on the road but can lead to significant damage in other areas of their cars.

Learn how to keep your Audi healthy at all times. Read: Car Maintenance Checklist

Here are the dangers of neglecting your brake pads.

• Your rotors can warp or break.
• The entire braking system of your Audi can overheat and fail.
• Slowing down and stopping becomes more difficult.
• Can cause uneven tire wear.

Besides seatbelts and airbags, brake pads are another pivotal safety component of your vehicle. That is because they play an essential role in an interconnected system that relies on each of its parts to operate safely and effectively.

As a seasoned luxury car driver, you should know when it's time to replace your Audi brake pads. Here are 5 warning signs you should look out for.

Squeaking and Squealing Noises

Squeaking and squealing noises are the most evident way your car indicates your brakes may be due for a replacement. Squeaky noises coming from a car are nothing out of the ordinary, especially during certain weather conditions like rain. However, consistent squeaky noises can be a sign of a bigger issue. Thus, visiting an expert is highly recommended to accurately diagnose your Audi.

Difficulty Braking

Have you noticed that slowing down or stopping has become harder when stepping down on your brakes? This may be an indicator that your brake pads have reached the end of their life. Most of all, this should be the biggest realization of the dangers of neglecting your brake pads. Not being able to slow down or stop your car can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience. Difficulty braking is the perfect time to explore the different options of pads for your car.

Vibration When Braking

A third sign that it's time to replace your Audi brake pads is a vibrating brake pedal. If braking has become harder and you feel a vibration sensation, this is a sign that your brakes have completely worn out. As a regular driver, it's important to know that vibrating brake pedals are not normal. Worn out brake pads can lead to horrific car accidents and unwanted stress.

Brake Pad Light Comes On

Audi engineers its vehicles with the latest safety features to ensure your safety at all times. If your brake pad light indicator appears on your dashboard even if you're using your parking brake, it's highly recommended to take your vehicle to an Audi expert and have it accurately diagnosed. This will not only prevent significant damage to other areas of your car, but it can also potentially be life-saving.

Your Brake Pads are Less Than 1/4 Inch Thin

It is highly recommended that your Audi brake pads be 8-12 mm thick. Visually inspecting your brake pads can help you determine if they're thinner than the recommended thickness. Visit your Audi technician for a professional opinion today.

When you replace worn out parts and accessories on your luxury vehicle with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from Euro Auto Parts Direct you upgrade performance and keep your luxury and exotic model driving optimally for years or even decades. By using genuine brand name parts that last longer than generic or used parts you also are helping to maintain its resale value.