Brake Replacement

Having your braking system in good condition and working properly is very important as this is what allows you to stop safely. If you have any problems with your brakes it is important for this to be checked out as soon as possible as there could be various different problems within the system. If you need a garage near Leighton Buzzard to perform brake repairs give us a call at 01296 688256.

How does your braking system in your car work?

When you press the brake pedal, there is many different things that take place in order for your vehicle to slow or stop.

When you press the brake pedal this moves a piston located in the master cylinder which pushes the brake fluid along causing a pressure which then pushes the caliper out to squeeze the pads against the disc.

If your vehicle has drum brakes this works in a similar way just the pistons push the shoes against the drums instead.

There are also systems such as a servo to help assist you with braking.

If you need a garage near leighton buzzard to help with your brake replacement we are happy to help.

Have your brakes started squealing?

Call our Garage near Leighton Buzzard for a FREE quote

01296 688256

What are some warning signs that my brakes need inspection or replacement?

1. Squealing

Brakes can squeal for many reasons and can be a sign of many different things being wrong. One reason why your brakes may squeal could be because the brakes need servicing, if servicing is required then the brakes are taken apart and cleaned and greased to have them working how they should, sometimes the brake calipers may also stay on slightly causing the brake pad to be applied to the disc.

2. Pulling to one side

Another sign that your brake system needs checking out is that if you apply the brakes your vehicle either pulls to the left or the right. This is an indication that one of your brake calipers is sticking on even when you are releasing the brake pedal. Another way this can happen is if the pads are seized in and arent moving properly as they should.

3. Spongy brake pedal

If the brake pedal feels spongy then this is likely an indication that there is air within the braking system. If the pedal becomes soft and will easily travel to the floor then this is a serious issue that should be looked at as soon as possible. This could indicate several problems but typically could be a master cylinder that has failed or could be a major brake fluid leak.

4. High handbrake

If the handbrake goes too many clicks when applying the handbrake then this indicates that it may either need adjustment or that there is an issue within the braking system. Typically 3-5 clicks in roughly what the handbrake should be.

5. Brake warning light

If the brake warning light comes on, it usually indicates that the brake fluid level is way lower than it should be. Before getting this looked at it should be checked that the handbrake hasn't been left partially on as this will also illuminate the light, or an issue with the handbrake switch

Have your brakes started squealing?

Call our Garage near Leighton Buzzard for a FREE quote

01296 688256

Frequently asked questions

Why is brake maintenance so important?

We offer brake services to keep the system well-maintained and fault-free. If the brake pads are fairly new and haven't got much wear but are causing issues then it is possible to clean the brakes to stop them from sticking and wearing out. This can also be done for drums and shoes to keep them in good condition as they wear.

Regular brake maintenance helps the brakes to wear evenly all over which prolongs the amount of time before the pads need replacing as brakes that aren't functioning properly tend to wear quicker on one pad leading to premature replacement of the pads. Without brakes that work properly, you won't be able to stop when you need to so, keeping a regular maintenance schedule keeps you safe on the road and prevents brake replacement prematurely.

When should my discs and pads be replaced?

Brake pads and discs should be changed when they reach the manufacturer's recommended minimum thickness which is typically 1.5-2.5mm for brake pads and can vary anywhere from 18mm upwards for brake discs depending on the size of the brakes on the vehicle.

Typically most modern cars will now have brake pad wear indicators which will either squeal when the pads have worn low enough to be changed or some vehicles will get a warning light coming up on the dashboard. If this light comes up then you are most likely looking at brake replacement.

Changing the brake pads sooner rather than later can save you money because if the friction material wears too thin then this can cause the discs to overheat which means that they will also have to be changed and as pads are relatively inexpensive it isn't worth leaving it any longer as this could lead to costly repairs with a full brake replacement.

Why should my brake fluid be changed regularly?

Brake fluid is what is used to move the parts in the braking system. It allows your calipers to move when you press the brake pedal, which is why this fluid is so important. Any amount of moisture or air trapped within the system can seriously reduce braking power.

It is recommended every 2 years that the car is given a brake fluid change to flush out any contaminants within the system. This is because over time brake fluid begins to become less effective just like any lubricant within a vehicle and it also gains more and more water content which can cause the internal ABS parts to rust and fail and can also cause braking issues which are typically expensive to repair. The moisture from the water also reduces the boiling point of the brake fluid which can reduce how well the brakes work and in extreme cases can lead to brake failure as the fluid will not be able to withstand the heat.

The brake system must be bled roughly every 2 years or 25000 miles depending on the manufacturer's guidance. If you are unsure whether your brake fluid needs changing then bring in the vehicle to our garage near Leighton Buzzard to be checked out. Bleeding the brake system also helps to remove any excess air that could be trapped in the system which will reduce the efficiency of your brakes.

What happens if my ABS light comes on?

If your vehicle has an ABS light pop on this indicates a fault within the Anti-lock braking system. The ABS stops your wheels from locking up when you are in a situation where you have to brake hard.

If you are doing a high-speed stop then the wheels could lock up and could make you lose traction and you could also lose control of the steering wheel. This is why keeping the ABS system fault-free is very important for emergency situations just in case you need to brake quickly.

Driving with an ABS fault on is not advised as it means that there is a fault within the system that will cause it not to work as it should. The normal braking system should still work as it should if it is just a simple fault but sometimes with larger faults such as ABS pump failure the brakes may not work properly. If a warning light telling you to stop also comes on then it is best to pull over safely and stop driving as soon as possible. You can still drive your car with the ABS light on to get it checked over but it is best not to drive with this on for a prolonged period of time as you want to know that in an emergency situation the car is going to stop effectively.

Why do my brakes squeal?

Typically a brake squeal is caused by worn out brake pads and this is the most common cause. It could also be caused by dust, dirt or a stone in the brakes and this could cause them to make excessive noise. It could also be caused by a lack of lubrication, typically rear drum brakes will squeal if not lubricated properly

How long do brakes last?

This will largely vary depending on what type of driving you are doing and also depend on your driving style. If you prefer to brake harder you are more likely to wear out the brake pads faster. Typically you can expect to get around 50000 miles out of the first set of discs and pads out the factory, pads might only last half this time and typically you get 2 sets of pads replaced before you need a set of discs.

Why does my car shake when I brake?

Vibration from the braking system is usually caused by a brake problem with the discs. There are many different faults that can occur within the discs such as a warped disc, unevenly worn disc or a disc that has a large amount of rust on