Book your free brake check
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Please note: we are currently unable to accept bookings online for hybrid/electric vehicles. For these vehicles, please contact your local centre.
If you have any concerns about your vehicle’s braking system, why not book a free brake inspection at your local Tyre Pros centre? Our trained technicians are readily equipped with the specialist tools and expert knowledge to inspect this part of your car or van to determine the condition of the components and establish if you need a brake repair or replacement.
Why Maintaining Your Vehicle's Braking System Is So Important
There’s no denying that the braking system is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. You never know when you may need to stop in an emergency, so regular maintenance is absolutely crucial.
Like all vehicle components, the braking system and its performance can deteriorate over time. This can happen gradually, and many motorists may not even realise anything is wrong. So, by having your car brakes checked regularly, you could find that it saves you a significant amount of time and money by preventing further damage to other components of your vehicle.
Today, the braking systems in most modern cars and vans use brake discs and pads. The brake pads feature a material that, when pressed against the disc, produces friction when the brake pedal is applied. This slows the wheels down and eventually stops them turning. Over time, the friction can cause the material on the brake pad to wear down and prevent it from working effectively. In addition to this, the brake discs can become warped and pitted, making it harder for the brake pad to ‘grab’ the surface of the disc and slow the car down. As a result, it’s vital to ensure that your brakes are operating at an optimum level at all times in order to stay safe when you’re behind the wheel.
What Are The Signs That My Brakes Need Attention?
There are a number of tell-tale signs that there could be something up with your brakes. You should book your vehicle in for an inspection if:
The Brakes Are Noisy
If you notice the brakes are noisier than usual, there may be a problem. For instance, a grinding sound could suggest the brake pads have worn too low, meaning a car brake replacement is needed.
The Vehicle Pulls To One Side Or The Other
If your vehicle pulls to the left or the right when you apply the brakes, it could suggest that the caliper has seized up or one of the system’s components is sticking.
The Brakes Feel Spongy
A soft, spongy feeling when applying the brakes could mean there is air in the brake fluid line which is preventing this fluid from moving through the system properly.
The Brakes Feel Limp
If your brakes feel limp with little to no resistance, it could be that the brake fluid needs changing.
The truth is, your vehicle’s braking system is crucial to the safety of you, your passengers and other road users. So, whether you notice one of these signs or something else, it’s important that you have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
It’s also worth noting that a brake check is included as part of your vehicle’s annual MOT inspection. If any element of the braking system is found to not be working as it should, your vehicle will fail the test. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to get into the habit of having this part of your car or van inspected ahead of your MOT appointment - especially if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Book Your Free Brake Check Today
You can book your free brake inspection online, or you can simply visit any of our Tyre Pros centres - no appointment necessary.
During the check, our trained technicians will carry out a thorough inspection of the brake system before providing you with a full report advising you if any further work is required, such as a brake pad replacement or repair.
Talk To The Tyre Pros
"Brake checks are an important part of the MOT test and if your brakes are not working as intended, your vehicle will fail. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get your brakes checked out ahead of your planned MOT especially if something doesn’t feel right."