Jetta owners love their cars, and for good reason. The sleek, elegant look combined with an impressive amount of horsepower makes for a fun ride. Jettas have longevity, too. Many older models are still on the road and drive beautifully thanks to regular maintenance.
If you’re the proud owner of a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, checking the brake pads and rotors should be routine. Some key signs that it’s time for a brake pad or rotor replacement include the following:
- There is a squeaking noise when you stop your car.
- There is under a 1/4 inch of brake pad left.
- The brakes are slow to respond.
- The brakes grind when you stop.
- The brakes vibrate or pulse when you push the brake pedal.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to get out the tools and replace those Volkswagen Jetta brake pads.
What Brake Pads Do You Need?
It’s fairly easy to find the right brake pads for your car. You need to know the year, make, model, and type of engine of your car. For example, you know you want 2013 Volkswagen Jetta brake pads, but you should get more specific. Is your model the Jetta S, SE, SEL, or perhaps the TDI? Does it have a four- or five-cylinder engine? Is it turbo? These details will ensure you get the right brake pads.
If you’re not sure of all the above info, don’t worry. You can use your car’s VIN to look up brake pads and other auto parts. The VIN is the vehicle identification number, and it is most commonly found on the lower-left corner of the dashboard. You will need to look through the windshield to see it. It can also be in other places, such as the front of the engine block.
How Much Do New Rotors Cost?
The cost of new rotors will vary, of course, depending upon the type you purchase. One thing to remember is that you should always replace rotors in pairs. Even if only one rotor looks badly worn, replacing both gives better performance.
Basic rotors that get the job done can start around $35 for one. At the more expensive end, for rotors with high carbon content and rust protection, you can expect to pay $90 or more per rotor. Zinc-plated performance rotors will set you back at least $150 for one rotor.
Can I Replace Brake Pads and Rotors Myself?
If you’re a real gearhead who loves spending the weekend on the car, this is a job you could tackle. There is plenty of info online on the best way to replace brake pads. The following tools may come in handy:
- Disc brake pad spreader set
- Torque wrench
- Bleeder kit
- C clamp
- Jack stand
- Brake fluid
Always make sure that your VW Jetta is securely positioned on the jack stands. Don’t forget the eye protection, either. With a little planning and preparation, you can replace your Jetta brake pads and rotors yourself and save a bit of money.
