This summer, I was planning on replacing all my tires on my 2019 Audi A4 Quattro (prem. plus trim). Thinking of going for the Continental DWS06+. I got my car two years ago and it currently has 80k miles. The previous owner to my dismay replaced two tires years ago but now the car has 4 tires of different tread levels and has two run-flats and two non run-flats (I’ve heard thats a big no-no).

HOWEVER, just last week I got the warning on my dash that my brake pads have been worn down to the minimum level, but that I could “continue driving.” My inspection last year however showed my brakes between 6-8/32”, so I thought I had at least another two years on them since I only drive around 5-6K miles/year. I’m not sure if this is a fluke with the brake pads sensors or if they actually need to be replaced. Regardless, it’s looking like I now need to get new tires and brakes all-around. I usually get my tires at CJ’s — is that a place I can also get brakes done for this car, and I am assuming both pads and rotors need to be replaced? What do we think this will run me if I do the tires at the same time (hoping I can cut down labor cost that way)? Is a brake fluid flush also advised?

I love my car and avid German car enthusiasts but I admit I am not great with understanding the technicalities and best ways to get repairs/replacements done. I am starting law school this fall and will be commuting, so want to make sure my A4 is in top shape.

I live in the Main Line area outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania if anyone has servicer suggestions if you think I shouldn’t get brakes done at CJ Tires.

Any advice or suggestions would be so very appreciated! Much love!

 

The brake pad wear sensor brass contacts simply wear through and lose continuity when the pads have about 1/3 of the their life remaining. This happens and warns too early in my opinion. If you check/measure the pads and are comfortable with the remaining amount, you can simply recomplete the wear sensor circuit by manually re-connecting the wear sensor wires. I simply pull the wires from the holder and wire nut or splice them together. I can probably find a pic if that would help. You'll just want to be cognizant that you'll have no more wear level warning. If the warning is for the front pads, you'll obviously have less time than if it's for the rear pads as the fronts will wear faster than the rears. However, depending on your driving style/habits, there is likely 10,000-30,000 miles of driving before your pads really need to be replaced.

 

Brake fluid should be replaced every 2 years, so if you haven't had that done then yes, it's time for that.

 

Odd question, but do you think its worth just replacing the brakes while I’m getting my tires done? Money is a bit tight at the moment, but I know these brakes will need replacing within 2 years regardless, and tires definitely need to be done before winter. I cannot stand the warning beep and light every time I get in the car, so either I re-complete the circuit for the sensor and get the brakes done at a later time, or I just do them now.

Not sure what you drive, but I’m having trouble finding an estimate of what a full brake replacement would be for the A4 Quattro B9 - both axles. Any ideas?

 

Again, excuse my ignorance, but why is brake fluid the one thing that almost everyone puts off as part of normal service? Is it wholly necessary? Not disagreeing, just trying to learn more. Technically my car now at 80k miles is due for new spark plugs and DGS transmission fluid change — how important are those if no issues are yet presented?

Thanks a ton…

 

Probably because shops charge way too much for the service and drivers don't notice anything wrong with their brakes so they skip it. I think the 2 years is overkill, but at 80k miles, its time to swap it. Brake fluid is hygroscopic so it'll rust your brake lines from the inside out and then once you have a problem, there's no ignoring it (signed, the guy who once had a brake line explode in a parking lot due to rust)