It's easy to put off a niggling noise or a slightly softer pedal, especially when life is busy and the car still seems to stop just fine. But of everything on your vehicle, brakes are one area where waiting really isn't worth the risk. Here's why, and what to look out for.
Warning signs you shouldn't ignore
Your brakes often give you plenty of warning before something goes seriously wrong. Common signs to watch for include:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking
- The car pulling to one side when you brake
- A brake pedal that feels softer or needs to be pressed further than usual
- Vibration or juddering through the pedal or steering wheel
- A brake warning light on your dashboard
- Taking noticeably longer to stop than usual
Any one of these on its own is worth getting checked. If you notice more than one at the same time, don't wait, book it in as soon as you can.
Why delaying really isn't worth it
Brake components wear gradually, which makes it tempting to assume there's still plenty of life left. The trouble is, once wear reaches a certain point, your stopping distance increases, sometimes significantly, and that's a real risk to you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
There's a cost side to this too. A worn brake pad caught early is usually a simple, affordable job. Left too long, that same pad can wear down to the metal backing plate and damage the brake disc underneath, turning a small job into a much bigger and more expensive one. Honest advice early on nearly always saves you money later.
How often should brakes be checked?
We check your brakes as standard as part of every MOT and service, but if you're doing a lot of miles, towing, or driving in stop start traffic, it's worth having them looked at more often. As a rough guide, brake pads typically last somewhere between twenty thousand and forty thousand miles, though this varies a lot depending on your vehicle and driving style.
If you're ever unsure, our safety checks are a quick and easy way to get peace of mind.
What we do when you bring your car in
We'll inspect your brakes thoroughly, checking pads, discs, fluid, and the handbrake. If everything's fine, we'll tell you so honestly, no unnecessary work, no pressure. If something does need attention, we'll explain exactly what and why, in plain English, and give you a fair, upfront price before we start any work.
Safety comes first, always
We look after drivers across Long Eaton, Sandiacre, Stapleford, Breaston, Draycott, Beeston, Nottingham and Derby, and whatever the job, safety is always our starting point. Brakes are one thing we simply won't cut corners on, and we don't think you should either.
If something doesn't feel right when you brake, get it checked. Book online today or give us a call.
Safe, reliable vehicle repairs, that's our promise.
