Car Brake Repairs Christchurch

Your car brakes are one of the most critical parts of a motor vehicle. Want to know more about brakes? Find out more about how car brakes work here.

Failing brakes can cost you dearly, but most issues give you plenty of warning before failure occurs. Want to know more about why brakes can fail? Find out more about the reasons for car brake failure here.

A Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection involves a comprehensive check of your vehicle's braking system to ensure it functions correctly. This inspection includes evaluating the performance of your brakes and identifying any potential issues, such as leaking brake fluid or worn brake pads. One of the most noticeable signs of brake problems is noisy brakes, a common issue among car owners.

Here are some indicators that your car's brakes may need attention:

1. Audible Warnings : Grinding or squealing noises from your brakes can signal wear or other issues.
2. Pedal Sensation : Changes in the feel of the brake pedal—such as it being too low, hard, soft, or spongy—can indicate a problem.
3. Steering Feedback : If you feel shuddering or vibrations in the steering wheel when braking, this could point to an issue with the brake system.
4. Traction Loss : Reduced grip or skidding during braking suggests that the brakes may not be functioning properly.
5. Pulling : If your car pulls to one side when braking, it may indicate uneven brake pad wear or other issues.

Brake pads are the most commonly used components in a vehicle's braking system. Over time, they wear down and must be replaced when they reach a critical level of wear. Typically, brake pads last between 45,000 to 60,000 kilometers, but this can vary based on driving habits.

Brake pads are housed within the brake caliper, which applies pressure to the disc rotor when you press the brake pedal. Most modern vehicles have two brake pads in each caliper, resulting in four brake pads for the front brakes and another four for the rear brakes. Regular inspection and timely replacement of brake pads are essential for maintaining safe braking performance.

They are usually made of a metallic friction material and once this friction material has worn down passed a certain level, usually a few millimetres, the brake pads will nee d to be replaced . There are several types of brake pads, see Servo’s guide to the different tyres here

It is normal practice during brake pad replacement for the brake rotor to also require attention. While they are steel they still wear overtime and provided they are not to thin they can be machined skimmed back to a smooth surface. If they are too thin and no longer meet the minimum specification the rotors can be replaced.

The hydraulic brake fluid should also be flushed and replaced every 3yrs or 45,000kms as it absorbs moisture over time which can lead to less effective braking systems and lead to premature failure of braking system internals.

Find out more about how a mechanic replaces a cars brake pads

By placing you job for brake pad replacement on Servo you can compare quotes and get the best value for money at a location and time that suit you.

Page updated 21 August 2024