Steps like oil changes, filter replacements, or tyre rotations are important parts of a car service without any doubt. These components are important, but you have to consider another area that is more important because of safety concerns. This essential part of car service is the car brakes, and they need proper attention.
Your car’s brakes are the main safety barrier between you and an accident. This is why Brake Repair Burton Upon Trent is an essential part of routine car servicing.
In this blog, we will explain how brakes work, why they wear out faster, and how regular servicing prevents damage and accidents.
Why Brakes Matter for Your Vehicle
Your car can still move if one headlight fails, or it may run with a faulty air conditioning system as well. But your vehicle should run on roads if the brakes are not working well. Every second is important when you press the brake pedal. Even a small delay in response can turn into a major crash.
Brakes are vital parts of your vehicle. During both short and long journeys, you use your brakes constantly to remain safe and keep others safe as well. Car brakes experience a lot of factors, such as friction, heat, and pressure, every time you drive. Brake pads and discs slowly degrade with every stop. This is why car servicing schedules always include brake inspections.
Common Brake Problems Found in Car Servicing
During a regular service, mechanics check your car's brakes and often find the following problems:
- Worn-out brake pads: Thin brake pads decrease the stopping power.
Scored or damaged brake discs: Rough surfaces lead to vibrations and longer stopping distances.
Low or old brake fluid: Fluid issues reduce braking efficiency.
Sticking brake callipers: They cause uneven braking and reduce control.
Handbrake problems: Weak or loose handbrakes make parking unsafe.
Finding these issues early in a regular service is more effective and safer than waiting until the brakes stop working.
How Car Servicing Protects Your Car's Braking System
Car servicing is about preventive maintenance. A proper service includes detailed checks of the braking system, including the following:
- Mechanics measure brake pad thickness to ensure it stays above the safe limit.
- They check brake discs for cracks, wear, or warping.
- They inspect brake fluid for quality and replace it if it is contaminated.
- They examine brake lines and hoses for leaks.
- They check ABS sensors for proper function.
Mechanics prevent sudden failure by checking these things in a routine schedule.
Why Brakes Wear Faster in Some Driving Conditions
Brakes do not wear the same way for every car owner. Conditions and habits matter a lot:
- City driving: Roads with traffic make brakes wear faster.
- Hilly roads: Constant use while going downhill overheats the brakes.
- Heavy loads: Carrying more weight puts extra pressure on the system.
- Aggressive driving: Sudden braking at high speeds increases wear.
During servicing, mechanics often ask about your driving habits because it helps them predict brake health. They also advise you on replacement schedules.
Warning Signs That Your Car's Brakes Need Urgent Attention
You usually service your car according to a plan, but sometimes, you should not wait for the next date. If you notice warning signs, you need to reach the garage instantly.
A car brake system may show the following signs:
- Grinding, squealing, or squeaking noises.
- A soft or spongy brake pedal.
- The car pulls to one side when braking.
- A driver feels vibrations through the steering wheel.
- Dashboard brake warning light.
Ignoring these signs may lead to brake failure. A professional service can find and fix the issue before it becomes dangerous.
Cost of Ignoring Brake Maintenance
Skipping brake care is not only unsafe, but it is expensive in the long run.
Let us look at common examples:
- Driving on worn pads damages the brake discs. Replacing brake discs is costlier than repairing worn pads.
- Leaking brake fluid reduces braking power and damages seals.
- Ignoring ABS faults leads to risky driving and higher repair costs later.
Car Servicing, MOT, and Brakes
In the UK, the MOT test checks the condition of brakes. If your car's brakes are below a safe condition, your car will fail its test.
Brake performance is measured using special equipment during MOT. If the technicians find problems, you must get them repaired before the car can legally return to the road.
This makes car servicing even more important. Regular services identify brake problems early, so you do not face an MOT failure.
Best Practices for Keeping Brakes Healthy
Apart from routine servicing, drivers can also adopt simple habits that reduce brake wear and keep the system efficient:
- Avoid unnecessary hard braking.
- Leave enough distance to brake gently.
- Do not overload the car beyond its capacity.
- Get brake fluid replaced every two years.
- Listen to unusual sounds from the brakes.
Following these habits, along with regular servicing, makes your car's brakes last longer.
Final Words
Car servicing and car brakes are closely connected. Brakes are vital for your safety. Therefore, mechanics should not forget to include it in every servicing schedule. A well-serviced car gives you confidence on the road, and strong brakes give you proper safety on both busy roads and quiet highways.
If you care about your car’s performance, you must also care about your car's brakes. Safe driving is impossible without reliable braking power. Therefore, visit a car service centre regularly for proper Car Servicing Burton Upon Trent and keep your car components, like brakes, always in good condition.
