Aston Martins are revolutionary in the automotive industry because they offer drivers an experience that is difficult to beat in the areas of: power, design, and aesthetic appeal. They are marveled at by all who witness their beauty, and anyone who gets behind the wheels of one of these beasts knows that they’re not all curb appeal—they can really outperform most exotic imports.
Aston Martin vehicles uphold the standard of quality and performance that so many car enthusiasts seek in their dream cars, but they still require the same maintenance and repair that all other vehicles undergo at one point or more in their life. When it comes to vehicle care nothing is more important than upholding safety standards. The brakes on your Aston Martin allow you to stop on a dime, preventing accidents and keeping you and your passengers safe. If the brakes aren’t properly serviced or begin to fail, you could have a serious situation on your hands. Here’s how to know when to service your brakes, and how to recognize the signs that one or more components of your brakes might need replacement.
When to have your brakes checked
One of the best ways to know if your Aston Martin needs a brake check is to follow the routine maintenance schedule designated by the manufacturer. These guidelines are put in place for the average Aston Martin driver based on the typical usage and optimal intervals for service. If you notice any symptoms of worn-out brakes, which we’ll cover in a moment, you should have your brakes checked. Keep in mind that an optimal time to have your brakes checked is when you’re getting your tires rotated and the wheels are already off the vehicle. This occurs usually every six months or so in the average vehicle, but you might consider having this done more often if you get more use out of your car.
Brake Pads
Brake pads come in different levels of quality, and of course, your Aston Martin deserves the best. The stock brake pads for your Aston Martin are usually a great quality to begin with; however, depending on how you use your brakes, it might be important to gauge their wear more diligently. If you notice that your car squeals when you apply the brakes, it might be time for new pads. The squealing noise that your Aston Martin makes is perfectly normal and is designed to alert the driver that the pads are becoming worn. Letting your brake pads go much longer is highly advised against by enthusiasts and experts alike.
Rotors
Rotors don’t generally become significantly worn unless you’ve gone a long time without replacing the pads. When brake pads begin to wear heavily, damage to the rotors is the next thing that happens. If you experience a grinding sound or sensation when you apply your brakes, your Aston Martin is in desperate need of brake repair. Replacing your brake pads is an easy way to avoid rotor damage, and replacing rotors can be expensive. It’s best to stay on top of brake maintenance to avoid such costly repairs.
Upgrading Your Brakes
Although Aston Martin stock brakes are generally good quality, many Aston Martin drivers opt to replace their brakes with even higher level performance brakes. If you get plenty of use out of your car, then you might consider upgrading your brakes as an option. This will extend the life of your brakes and give you more control in stopping quickly.
The Aston Martin Standard of Specialized Care
Here at Mark Douglas Motorworks, we have extensive experience and education in Aston Martin engineering—including brake design functioning. Our clients all over the area of Orange County, including those from Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills and Laguna Nigel, CA, come to us for our expertise and quality of work; we take every maintenance and repair procedure seriously, as if we were ensuring the safety of our closest family members. When it comes to brake replacements, and when it comes to Aston Martins especially, it’s important to be armed specialized knowledge to ensure the safety of our clientele. To schedule a brake inspection and/or tire rotation, please call our shop directly. It’s our mission to give your Aston Martin’s brakes the care and attention they deserve.
* Aston Martin V8 Vantage image credit goes to: joeygil.