When Do I Need a Car Brake Inspection?

There are several signs to look out for when using your car's brakes that indicate you may need an inspection.

Brake

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Grinding

If you hear a grinding noise when braking, it means the friction material on your brake pads is heavily worn and the metal caliper is making contact with the brake disc, which can cause significant damage.

Squeaking

Squeaking brakes can occur for several reasons, such as a stuck brake caliper or brake pads with wear indicators that squeak when they need changing. Any squeaking should be checked out promptly.

Pulsating

If your brake pedal pulsates continuously when you apply the brakes, it may be due to a warped brake disc caused by excessive heat. This pulsation means the disc is distorted. If this only happens when braking firmly, it could be the ABS kicking in, but it's best to have it checked if it happens regularly.

Vehicle Pulling

If your car pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to a sticking hydraulic or mechanical component, such as a seized caliper. An inspection will identify the exact cause.

Sponginess

A spongy and unresponsive brake pedal indicates that air has entered the brake lines, preventing effective brake fluid flow.

Soft Brake Pedal

A limp brake pedal that goes to the floor indicates a serious fault, possibly due to ineffective brake fluid or a master cylinder issue, and requires immediate inspection.

Brake Warning Light

A brake warning light on your instrument panel usually means the brake fluid level is critically low or there's a leak in the brake hoses. Refer to your car's manual for guidance.

High Handbrake

If your handbrake pulls up higher than usual, it may need adjusting. A handbrake lever reaching the end of its travel will fail an MOT, so it’s worth checking.

Importance of Regular Brake Checks

Regular brake checks are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's safety. Inspections can identify issues before they affect braking efficiency, ensuring your braking system performs as intended.

Old Brake Fluid

Brake fluid older than two years may lose effectiveness due to its moisture-absorbing properties, impacting braking ability. It should be changed every two years or as recommended in your manufacturer’s handbook.

Thurton Auto Centre Brake Inspection

At Thurton Auto Centre, we understand the importance of regular brake inspection and maintenance to ensure your car's brakes work effectively. Our expert brake specialists are fully trained to maintain your brakes efficiently and cost-effectively.

Brake Inspection Components

Our comprehensive brake check includes:

Brake Pedal: Checking pedal travel and servo operation.
Pads & Shoes: Measuring wear and checking for damage.
Wheel Cylinder: Inspecting the cylinder assembly and master cylinder for damage or leaks.
Disc Brake Calipers: Examining calipers, hoses, and pipes for damage or leaks.
Precision Inspection: Measuring discs or drums for wear and reporting any damage.
Handbrake: Assessing condition and operation.
Brake Fluid: Checking quality to ensure effective lubrication and moisture levels.
Final Road Test: Ensuring the braking system works effectively.

How Often Should Car Brakes Be Replaced?

Driving patterns significantly affect brake servicing frequency. For instance, brake pads might last up to 60,000 miles on motorway-driven cars but only 25,000 miles or less in city traffic. Front brakes typically wear out faster due to handling more braking load. Brake pads should be replaced when the friction material wears down to 3 millimeters. Brake discs should be replaced if below the manufacturer’s minimum thickness specification.

Measuring brake disc thickness requires specialist equipment and expertise, so it’s best to leave it to professionals.

Conclusion

For your safety and peace of mind, have your vehicle inspected promptly if you notice any brake issues. At Thurton Auto Centre, we provide expert brake checks and maintenance services to keep your car’s braking system in optimal condition.

Customer satisfaction read what our customers are saying about Thurton Auto Centre

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The whole team has a great work ethic

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1 Month Ago

I’m not normally speechless but today I succumbed ! I just could not believe the sparkling motorhome standing in front of me was the same tired one I left in the hands of these guys a week earlier ! Quick, efficient and professional throughout. They kept me updated with photos and emails of work done, being done and teaser shots of the then and now ! Completely stunning, I really can’t recommend these guys enough The whole team has a great work ethic and I found out that there is “No Can’t “in their vocabulary only “ of course we can “ A workforce to be proud of, very rarely found these days and YES it’s a 100% recommendation from me and Yes I will be returning to have the MOT and service done here, plus more interior work Lyn P - Read more about this project

Lyn & Bo P - Wolfie Restoration

The customer service was 1st class.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 weeks ago

A month has now passed since we drove into Tradervan for a full service, mot & bodywork on our motorhome. It is time to review. This was our first visit. We were welcomed and put at ease immediately. Nothing was a trouble. We had previously booked so work began that day. The customer service was 1st. class. The rig shone on our pick up day and I write this review from the heart of Spain with a new cam belt, brakes & a vehicle to be proud of. Thanks to the team & see you in the future.

John & Sharon King - Dethleff A Class Motorhome

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1 Day Ago

This was the 2nd time I have used this company and can honestly say very happy with the service I recieved, after completing a major service on my motorhome they highlighted some welding which was required, I was already aware it needed doing but asked if they could do it whilst my vehicle was with them. They agreed to do the work and provided a quote to complete the work whilst this wasn't a small sum to do the work I agreed for them to carry the work out for me. Yesterday I received a call to say the work was completed and my vehicle was ready for collection, expecting to pay the price of the quote I was pleasantly surprised to be given a bill much less than anticipated. In my mind that shows honesty and integrity as they could have charged me as per the quote and I wouldn't have known any different. So all in all very happy and would have no issues using them again.

John

John Barnes - Thurton resident

Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Drove down for the weekend from london and had something go wrong with my car. They managed to fit me in at really short notice and they didnt try to rip me off. I was able to drive back to london safely and without having to be inconvenienced by being stuck there until i found a way of fixing my car or getting it back. Five stars isnt enough i would give 10 if i could

Ben - Visitor to Norfolk

I would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating...

I’m not someone who normally writes reviews, but because the customer service was so good I wanted to let others be aware of this company. I needed to replace the cam belt for the Motorhome as well as giving it a major service prior to putting it up for sale. The very knowledgeable staff took my details and then provided me the quote. Works came in on price and on time, and I asked for help in selling the van. They arranged the whole deal including valeting the van, and had my money in the bank within a few weeks after a successful sale. I
would recommend Thurton Auto Centre to anyone who are feeling let down by their own garage. They are an independently owned garage who genuinly wants to look after its customers hoping they will return, I certainly will.

Ian Logan - Local resident

Huge Thank You...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A huge thank you to Terry and the team for the amazing job they did on our 11 year-old Motorhome - absolutely delighted with the results - looks like new!

Teresa Linstead