Regardless of where in the world a car is manufactured, it can eventually experience problems. Some automobiles, including foreign cars, may even have a flaw that increases the likelihood of certain problems.. BMW recalled over 75,000 of its 2012-2014 models. These vehicles had a problem with their brake booster. In addition, almost 9,000 BMW vehicles from the same manufacturing period were recalled for suspected problems with a brake vacuum pump. Even if a foreign car has not been recalled, it is important for vehicle owners to learn the signs of brake failure so their car can be inspected by a foreign automotive mechanic as soon as possible. The signs of pending brake failure in domestic and foreign vehicles are often the same. Here are a few signs of vehicle brake problems:

When you press your brakes, the car does not immediately stop.

When you press your brakes, your car should respond by quickly stopping. However, if the car is unable to perform a rapid stop, it could be due to a number of reasons, such as slick brake pads or too little brake fluid.

Slick Brake Pads

Slick brake pads occur when pads are exposed to too much heat for a long period. The excessive heat can cause the brake pads to become crystallized. This results in a slick hard surface that is unable to properly grab the rotor of a car. Thus, even though the brake pads are pressed against the rotor, the slickness prevents the holding of the rotor firmly enough to cause an immediate stop. If the padding material of your brake pads has become crystallized, the pads with need to be replaced. However, they must be replaced with pads that are designed specifically for your car. 

Brake Fluid Problems

Brake fluid transfers the braking power to the brake pads of your vehicle. If there is too little brake fluid or if the brake fluid is contaminated, your car may not be able to stop as efficiently as it should. Brake fluid becomes contaminated over time. Contamination occurs as the fluid absorbs atmospheric moisture. Water boils at a much lower temperature than brake fluid does. Thus, the contamination lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. Since brake fluid can only transfer braking pressure when it is in a liquid state, the contamination can slow your braking time. If you have a foreign vehicle, a foreign automotive mechanic, like the ones at CIM Motorsports, would be able to drain your contaminated fluid and replace it.

Vibrations are felt through the brake pedal and steering wheel.

If the rotor of your vehicle becomes warped over time, when the brake pedal is depressed, vibrations will be felt through your pedal and through the steering column of your car truck. These vibrations can cause your steering wheel to feel as though it is jumping in your hands. This can be remedied by the replacement of the warped rotor. 

If you suspect that the brakes of your foreign car are starting to fail, schedule an appointment with a foreign car mechanic in your area. He or she will be used to the variation in foreign car design and can help remedy your brake problem before complete failure occurs.