check brake wear message

Check Brake Pad Wear Mercedes [Meaning & Reset Guide]

You probably know that brake pads need to be replaced when they’re worn down too far. But did you also know that there’s a specific thickness of brake pads that your Mercedes needs?

In this article, I am going to explain what the “check brake pad wear” message means on your Mercedes, the main cause, and how to repair and reset it. Let’s jump to it.

Mercedes “Check Brake Pad Wear” Meaning

In short, Check brake pad wear means that the brake pads on your Mercedes are worn below their minimum thickness measured by the brake pad sensors in each of your Mercedes wheels.

This is usually caused by excessive braking and normal wear and tear of your Mercedes.

In other words, when you drive your Mercedes and brake as you should, the brake pads will wear down over time. This is normal wear and tear and nothing to worry about.

Mercedes Brake Pads Explained

Brake pads are the part of your Mercedes that makes contact with the brake rotor when you press down on your brake pedal.

They provide friction to slow down your car and help stop it from moving. Pads are found between the brake caliper and the brake disc and are made from a variety of different materials depending on their purpose.

For example, sporty models like the Mercedes E63 AMG use carbon-ceramic brake pads, while daily drivers like the C 200 will have standard steel or semi-metallic pads.

Related: Mercedes Not Starting Fix.

What Causes Mercedes’s “Check Brake Pad Wear” Message on your Cluster?

This message is caused by worn brake pads on your Mercedes. When the brake pads get worn down below a certain thickness, the sensors in each of your Mercedes wheels will pick up on this and trigger this message to appear on your cluster.

It’s possible that the sensors in your wheels are malfunctioning and showing you a false reading. If this is the case, have your Mercedes brake pad sensors checked as a wheel, but it is important to note that this is rare and the more likely cause is that your brake pads are worn and need replacing.

How to Fix Check Brake Pad Wear on a Mercedes

Now, that you know that worn brake pads are causing your Mercedes to trigger this message, you may be wondering what to do.

The easiest way to fix it is to have your Mercedes dealer or a qualified mechanic inspect which brake pads are worn and need changing

(I recommend changing all four pads at the same time) and then replace them with new brake pads.

In fact, according to Mercedes, their brake pads will last anywhere between 30 000 to 70 000 miles depending on your driving style and how often you use your brakes.

So, if you drive a lot and brake hard when needed, then it’s likely that your Mercedes will trigger this message sooner rather than later.

Related: Mercedes B8 Service Guide

How Long Can You Drive Your Mercedes After the “Check Brake Pad Wear” Message?

Fortunately, the message will come on, way before your pads are totally done, so based on my experience if you get the “check brake pad wear” message on your

Mercedes you can still drive another 150-1000 miles before the pads are completely worn.

However, I would advise you to get your pads changed as soon as possible, especially if you live in an area that doesn’t have great roads (i.e. lots of potholes).

Other Signs your Mercedes brakes are Going bad

Other than the message on your Infotainment cluster, there are other signs that your Mercedes brakes are going bad.

The most common symptom is a grinding or squeaking sound when you apply the brakes.

This can be especially annoying at night when you are trying to drive through quiet neighborhoods and all people hear is the loud squealing noise coming from your Mercedes.

Other sounds like screeching and physical vibrations may also indicate that your Mercedes brakes are going bad. You can also manually check the brake pad thickness by using a feeler gauge.

Where Can You Reset the “Check Brake Pad Light?

1. Mercedes Dealership:

If you have a Mercedes dealership in your area, then this is the best place to get your Mercedes checked out. You should be able to get a free brake inspection from them and they will let you know which pads need changing, but will usually cost a bit more than expected.

2. Auto Repair Shop:

If you have an auto repair shop in your area, then this is another great place to go. The advantage here is that they will be able to tell you exactly what needs fixing and give you a quote on the price (usually lower than the dealer).

3. DIY:

If you have the right tools and experience, then you can do it yourself. The advantage here is that you will save money and be able to do the job yourself. All you need to do is order the parts.

Additional Sources:

https://automotivetechinfo.com/Understanding-Mercedes-Benz-Brakes.pdf

https://www.mboftampabay.com/mercedes-benz-brake-pads.htm

https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/cars-carbon-ceramic-brakes-are-going-be-used-car-plague-267318

https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/worn-out-brake-pads-symptoms

 

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