I drive the Q5 (3.2 - 2010 model) and I have a quick question regarding the brake pads for the more knowledgeable folks on the forum.

I took it to 35K service few weeks ago and the dealer recommended that the front brakepads are worn out (rear pads are worn too but not under 5 mm yet) and need to be replaced. For some reason, the way he explained it to me, I didn't trust him and wanted to get a second opinion. In the worst case, I thought I would wait for the red-light to turn on and get it replaced ASAP (dealership is ~10 miles from my home and office).

This was few weeks ago and I forgot to get second opinion. Long story short, I have a 150 mile (round-trip) day-trip tomorrow and started freaking out about it. In case, the light does get turned on during the trip, will I be safe to come back home and get it checked out.

Is it too risky? Can someone clarify?

Thanks for the help.
Xanadu
PS: And yes, I will get them replaced early next week - not worth this tension

 

I am no break expert but 35K seems way too early to replace break pads.

 

Got the same info. from my dealer around te same milage, actually I had less tha 35k.

Really depends on your style of driving, but normally around the 50-55k is a good time.

around 2 years time

 

Might be a bit of a late response, but:

Best way to do it is to check it for yourself. Most brake pads are visible through the rims, if not, just take the tire off and check them. The absolute minimum is 3.0 mm. That's when you should get them replaced immediately. 4 or 5 mm is usually when they should be replaced, for safety measures, especially the front brake pads since most of the weight is shifted onto them whilst braking.

If you haven't replaced them yet, I would recommend replacing them with Beck/Arnley Brakepads. Great set of brakes for the price. If I remember correctly, they have different sets of brakes varying to everyday commutes to track pads.

 

I just had my fronts replaced yesterday and the rear serviced (2010 Q5 3.2). The fronts were less than 2mm and the rears are about half way through. This is at 85,000 km.

 

Did a brake pad replacement light turn on for you before you replaced the front?

 

No, no warning lights came on. I wasn't even aware there was a brake pad replacement light. I'll have to check the manual for that.

During my last servicing the dealership indicated the front pads had about 2mm left in them. I took the Q5 to another service center to get a second opinion and quote, and they said there was almost nothing left on the fronts (this is about a month after the Audi dealer did the inspection).

When is the light supposed to come on?

 

Warning light can be turned on via com. I wasn't sure if you had yours on. I'm not even sure why Audi doesn't keep this on. I would imagine the light will probably come on at around 5 mm.