#PrestigeMotors
Do I need a brake inspection?
There are a number of tell-tale signs to look out for when using your brakes, always best to double check before every journey. Visual checks are very simple, some of the information below is available publicly available and we have displayed the below information as guidance notes.
Pulsating > If you feel a continuous pulsating from the brake pedal whenever you apply the brakes, this indicates the brake disc has become warped due to excessive heat. Just be very carful on visual inspection as the surface could be very hot. Pulsation occurs because the brake disc is distorted and no longer provides a perfectly flat surface when the brake pad makes contact. If this only occurs when you apply the brakes firmly, it could just be the ABS kicking in but you should have this checked out if you are concerned or it happens regularly. At Prestige Motors we can offer additional support, please speak with us directly.
Grinding > when the friction material on brake pads are heavily worn, this can result in a grinding noise as the brake pad has worn down to the metal caliper. This will likely damage the brake disc and will cost you more money in future.
Squeaking > there are many reasons why brakes squeal. It could suggest the brake caliper has stuck and the brakes pad remains partially applied to the disc but some pads have wear indicators that squeal when worn to let the driver know the brakes need changing soon. You can also do visual checks, Either way you should get this checked out. At Prestige Motors we can offer break testing and additional support.
High Handbrake > At Prestige Motors we can offer additional support. If the handbrake is pulling up higher than it normally does it may need adjusting. In modern cars, this is usually anything more than 6 to 8 clicks. If the handbrake lever reaches the end of its travel it will fail the MOT. It could also be physical problem.
Pulling > At Prestige Motors we can offer break testing and additional support but we recommend seeking support to prevent unwanted damage that could cost more money. If your car pulls to the left or right when you apply the brakes this is usually indicative of a sticking hydraulic or mechanical component such as a seized caliper. An inspection can identify the precise reason for the vehicle pulling to one side.
Soft Brake Pedal > if the brake pedal is limp and goes all the way to the floor, this indicates a serious braking system fault which you should have inspected immediately. A brake pedal that is soft and can be applied all the way to the floor usually means the brake fluid is ineffective (This could also be fault with physical pedal) and needs replacing but there can be several other potential reasons such as a master cylinder fault. At Prestige Motors we can offer break testing and additional support.
Sponginess > the brake pedal feels spongy and the brakes seem unresponsive. This is a sign that air has entered the brakes lines and is preventing the brake fluid from flowing through this system effectively and at Prestige Motors we’re always available to support you.
Dashboard Light > if a brake warning light appears on your instrument panel either continuously or when you apply the brakes it usually means the brake fluid level is critically low. This could also indicate a leak in the brake hoses. At Prestige Motors we can offer break testing and additional support.
Old Brake Fluid > If your brake fluid is over 2 years old it may be losing its effectiveness since it has hygroscopic properties which means it absorbs moisture over time (Check online for recommendations). This affects the properties of the fluid which negatively affects braking ability. Check your manufacturers handbook.
For safety’s sake, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected as quickly as possible when you notice any of the above symptoms.
Your Brake Check At Prestige Motors ?
Regular brake checks are an important part of any vehicle preventative maintenance plan. At Prestige Motors we can offer break testing and additional support. Brake checks can identify a problem before it begins to impact on your braking efficiency, thus providing an opportunity to restore the effectiveness of your vehicle’s braking system to its intended operating performance. We know how important the regular inspection and maintenance of your brakes can be to ensure your brakes continue to work effectively. We have specialists onsite who are fully trained and committed to maintaining your brakes in an expert and cost effective manner. We offer the best service at Prestige Motors, come and speak with us.
When to replace your brakes
Different driving patterns have a dramatic effect on how often your brakes need servicing. Visual checks are very important for safety, you can also pick up the phone and call us directly.
For example, a set of brake pads could last up to 50,000-60,000 miles or more on a car driven mostly on the motorway (Every car is different). However the brakes on the same car driven mostly in busy city centre traffic may last only 20,000 miles or less.
Front brakes normally wear out before rear brakes because they handle a higher percentage of the braking load, especially on front-wheel drive cars. The wheel alignment could contribute to this problem.
It is often recommended that brake pads should be replaced if the pad friction material has worn down to a thickness of 3 millimetres. Brake disc thickness should be measured if they are at or below the manufacturer’s safe minimum thickness specification they should be replaced.
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Did you know?
P-Motors also recommends that brake discs or drums are replaced in axle sets. Replacing one brake disc or drum could cause an imbalanced braking performance that could lead to further premature wear.
When new parts are fitted, it’s vital to drive gently and carefully until they bed in, which takes approximately 200 miles. Excessive braking action on new parts can potentially damage them and lead to a loss of braking efficiency and performance.
As best practice for drivers whose annual mileage is considered average or high (around 7/8,000 miles per year or more), Recommend that your vehicle’s braking system is checked at least twice a year. You may also want to check your braking system before a long journey or in advance of your MOT – your vehicle will fail its annual MOT test if your braking system does not meet required standards to allow your vehicle to come to an efficient stop. At Prestige Motors we’re here to support any questions or concerns.
Our guarantee
To ensure your brakes are always at their best, brakes come with guarantee. Once you have pads or shoes fitted, the replacement of these parts will always be 100% genuine.
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