Car Brake Repairs
Concerned about the performance of your car's brakes? Give our expert team a call!
Specialists in Brake Pad and Disc Replacement in London and Essex
Fully functional brakes are paramount to your vehicle’s safety and performance, not to mention the importance it has on the safety of other drivers on the road. Faulty brakes are one of the major causes of car accidents in the UK and the most common source for MOT test failures, so if you suspect there is a problem with your brakes, it is critical they are assessed right away.
Brakes are complex parts of a vehicle and an issue could stem from the discs, pads or calipers. Our vehicle repair team has been servicing brakes throughout Essex and London since 1985, so you can trust our experts, no matter how intricate the problem may be.
Signs That you Need a Brake Check
When using your car’s brakes, there are various signs that could indicate a malfunction, including:
- Longer stopping distance – If your car is taking longer to stop, or you are more conscious of hitting the back of other vehicles, this is likely due to faulty brakes.
- Squeaking – Squeaking brakes could indicate that the brake caliper has become stuck, or that the brake pads have worn down and need replacing.
- Grinding – A grinding noise when you brake could mean that the friction material on the brake pads has worn down to the caliper, which can cause damage to the brake disc. In this instance a replacement for the brake pad would be recommended.
- Pulsating – If you feel a continuous pulsating from the brake pedal when you brake, it could be due to a warped brake disc, which can occur when the disc overheats. For this issue, a brake disc replacement would be advised.
- Dashboard warning lights – A brake warning light could indicate that the brake fluid level is critically low, or that there is a leak in the brake hose.
- Soft brake pedal – If the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor or feels limp, there may be a serious issue with the braking system.
- Pulling – If your car pulls to one side when you brake, there may be an issue with a hydraulic or mechanical component, such as a seized caliper. A brake caliper replacement would be the likely fix here, or you may require four wheel alignment/tracking.
- Sponginess – If the brake pedal feels spongy and unresponsive, it could be due to air in the brake lines, which can prevent brake fluid from flowing effectively.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible to ensure your safety while driving.
Brake Services from The Bodyshop
For a brakes repair, the solution is often found from fixing a specific part of the brake, rather than the whole mechanism. It is likely that the repair or replacement will focus on either the pad, disc or caliper.
In some instances multiple adjustments may have to be planned, such as a brake discs and pad replacement, however let’s look at the individual components in isolation:
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Brake Pads
Brake pads are designed to last thousands of miles, however driving patterns can affect their longevity. For example pads will last longer when driving frequently on motorways in Essex compared to stop-start traffic in central London.
Eventually all brake pads will start to wear and if the thickness of the material falls below 4 millimeters, then a brake pad replacement should be arranged.
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Brake Discs
A shuddering effect when braking is a tell-tale sign that your vehicle’s brake discs need replacing.
A safe minimum brake disc thickness will be specified by the manufacturer, so if the disc has worn down to below this level, then a replacement should be issued.
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Brake Calipers
Brake calipers are incredibly durable and can often outlast the lifespan of a car. However, if damage or wear and tear does occur, it is essential to fit new brake calipers as they are a crucial component of the braking system.
Benefits of The Bodyshop's Car Brake Repair Service
From brake discs and pads fitting, to complete brake checks, our experienced technicians have you covered.
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Brake fitters and repairers with 40 years experience
Operational since 1985 - our engineers have managed innumerable repair jobs.
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Brake services for Essex and London
The Bodyshop are your local garage to handle all manor of brake fixes.
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Low price
Top quality brake repairs at a minimal cost.
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Same day turnaround
We can provide a same day fix, both for repairs and a brake fit service.
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Improved vehicle safety
We know how vital reliable brakes are - Our mechanics guarantee that your automobile returns to the road 100% safe.
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Long-term guarantee
Our service comes with a warranty, so if you experience any issues we will correct them straight away.
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Open 6 days a week
Schedule a time that is convenient for you.
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Additional brake services
We also provide supplementary services to your brakes including caliper painting.
Searching for a brake pad replacement or a brake fitter? Follow the below process.
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Contact Us
Give our team a ring or use the form below to let us know what brake issues your vehicle is suffering from.
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We will assess the brake damage
Drive to our garage in Ilford for a free estimate and we will let you know the costs involved with the repair. If you do not feel comfortable driving with potentially damaged brakes, we can arrange a collection or recovery service, for maximum convenience.
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Our Engineers will repair your brakes
The Bodyshop's team will repair your brake system or fit new brake components, including calipers, discs and pads. We ensure a fast turnaround time, so you will not be without your car for long.
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Collect your vehicle
Your repaired vehicle will be safe and ready to return to the road!
Free Brake Checks at The Bodyshop
Problems with your brakes must be fixed quickly and efficiently, in order to keep you and other drivers on the road safe from harm.
Fill out the form to the right, or call our Essex office on 020 8500 9228 and we can have a chat to begin the repair process.
Car Brakes Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
This is difficult to answer as there are many variables that need to be considered. The make and model of car impacts the price considerably, your run-of-the-mill Ford could cost around £200, but high-end vehicles like Bentleys, can cost £2,000 to replace just the pads.
When asking yourself “how much for new brake pads?”, it is best to speak to a trusted garage who can talk you through the whole process and the reasons why prices can vary drastically.
Brake pads should be replaced on average every 10,000 miles.
This figure can vary however depending on the type of driver you are and where you are doing the majority of your driving. For example if you are driving in London, where traffic is worse than Essex, then you are likely braking more often and wearing down the pads at a faster rate. In instances like this, or if you are late and harsh on the brakes, then you may have to replace your brake pads more often.
It is important to be aware of your pads’ general condition. If they are not monitored then long-term the pads can create a ‘lip’ in the brake disc, which causes a squeaking noise and worsens your overall braking system.
Our process to fitting brake pads involves removing the car wheels and calipers and then replacing the pads. The reality however is that specialist equipment and expertise is required to ensure the job is completed safely and successfully.
When fitting brake pads, trained engineers must carry out the work so the car remains safe on the road for you and other drivers. If pads are not fitted correctly, then your insurance would not protect you in the event of an accident and you will again have to raise funds to pay for the brake pad and caliper replacement cost.