As a driver of a Prestige or European vehicle, you appreciate precision, performance, and, above all, safety engineering. Yet, the two most critical safety components on your car—your tyres and your brakes—are often the most overlooked.
Many drivers unconsciously ignore the early warning signs of wear, unaware that the stopping distance of their high-performance machine is diminishing with every kilometre. At RM Autohaus Group (incorporating Richmond Motors, RM Autohaus Express, and RM Autohaus in Hawthorn), we consider the condition of your tyres and brakes to be the non-negotiable foundation of your safety. Don’t leave this life-saving maintenance until it’s too late.
The Critical Science of Stopping
Your car’s stopping distance is the sum of two factors: thinking distance (your reaction time) and braking distance (the time it takes for the car to physically stop). While you can control your reaction time, the braking distance is purely a function of your vehicle’s mechanical condition, and it relies entirely on your tyres and brakes.
Worn Tyres Mean Longer Stops: The tyre tread’s primary job is to provide grip and, critically, to disperse water on wet roads. When tread depth falls below the recommended minimum (Australia’s legal minimum is 1.5 mm, though experts recommend changing them at 3 mm), the tyre’s ability to clear water is severely compromised. Studies show that a vehicle on barely legal tyres can take significantly longer to stop in wet conditions compared to a vehicle with new tyres—a difference that can be measured in multiple car lengths.
Worn Brakes Mean Slower Response: The braking system converts kinetic energy into heat through friction. Worn brake pads and rotors cannot dissipate this heat efficiently, leading to “brake fade” and a severe reduction in stopping power. Furthermore, worn components can lead to increased noise, vibration, and a spongy pedal feel, all of which compromise your control in an emergency.
The Warning Signs Your Prestige Vehicle is Giving You
Your European vehicle is built with precise engineering, and it will give you clear signals when its safety systems are wearing out. As specialists in marques like Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, Volkswagen, and Volvo, we know exactly what to look for:
Brake Wear Warnings
- Squealing or Grinding Noise: A high-pitched squeal often indicates the brake pads are approaching replacement. A loud, metal-on-metal grinding sound means the pads are completely worn and the metal backing plate is contacting the rotor—this is a critical emergency.
- A Soft or Spongy Pedal: If the brake pedal feels lower or softer than usual, it may indicate air or moisture in the brake fluid, or a hydraulic system leak.
- Vibrations/Shaking: A pulsation or shaking felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel is usually a sign of warped brake rotors (discs).
Tyre Wear and Age Warnings
- The Tyre Wear Indicator (TWI): All tyres have wear indicators—small raised bars positioned across the main tread grooves, typically in four locations around the tyre. These indicators are approximately 1.6mm tall. When the tread surface is level with these bars, the tyre has reached Australia’s legal minimum tread depth of 1.5mm and must be replaced immediately. We recommend changing them sooner for optimal wet-weather safety.
- Tyre Age is Crucial: Rubber doesn’t last forever! Even if your tyres look okay and have sufficient tread, the rubber compound deteriorates over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and oxygen. All tyres have a manufacturing date stamped on the sidewall, indicated by a four-digit code (e.g., 0225 means the tyre was manufactured in the second week of 2025). Tyre manufacturers strongly recommend replacing tyres that are six years old or older, regardless of visible wear, to maintain structural integrity and performance.
- Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts: Any visible damage to the sidewall or tread (bulges or deep cracks) means the tyre’s internal structure has been compromised, making it prone to sudden failure.
Your Trusted Partner for Tyres and Brakes
As Melbourne’s trusted European vehicle service centres, all RM Autohaus Group locations offer specialist tyre and brake servicing and replacement for your prestige vehicle. We use the same factory-standard equipment and meticulous attention to detail as the dealerships.
In addition to providing log-book servicing, repairs and maintenance for your prestige or European vehicle, RM Autohaus Express specialises in the supply and fitting of premium tyre brands, including Continental, Michelin, and Pirelli. These high-performance brands are the perfect match for your sophisticated Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, Volkswagen, or Volvo, ensuring maximum grip, performance, and, most importantly, safety.
Don’t wait for a dangerous situation to discover your car’s limitations. Invest in your safety now.
Call the RM Autohaus Group location nearest you today to book a comprehensive brake and tyre safety check:
- Richmond Motors
- RM Autohaus Express
- RM Autohaus in Hawthorn
Legal references: https://transport.vic.gov.au › vehicle-standards-information
