Expert Brake Repair & Replacement in Colchester
RAC & AA Approved specialists offering guaranteed brake services to keep you safe on the road.
RAC Approved Garage
Colchester's Most Trusted & Accredited Garage
Google Reviews
"Fantastic service from start to finish. The team were incredibly helpful and explained the brake issue clearly. The price was fair and the work was done quickly. Highly recommend!"
- Jane D.
What does RAC Approved mean for you? It means our workshop, technicians, and business practices have been independently audited and certified by the RAC to meet the highest national standards for quality and customer service.
What this means for you: We are part of the AA's certified network, demonstrating our commitment to high standards of workmanship and customer care, giving you extra peace of mind.
What this means for you: We are committed to the Motor Ombudsman's code of practice, ensuring fair, transparent, and high-quality service, with a clear dispute resolution process if needed.
What this means for you: Our business has been vetted and approved by Trading Standards, confirming that we operate in a legal, honest, and fair way.
The Alpha MOT Promise
- We only use OEM-quality or equivalent parts.
- All work is guaranteed for 12 months.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Common Brake Warning Signs We Fix Daily
Grinding or Scraping Noise
This severe noise often indicates that the brake pads are completely worn away, causing metal-on-metal contact between the caliper and the brake disc. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate inspection to prevent further damage and ensure your vehicle can stop effectively.
High-Pitched Squealing
Most brake pads have a small metal wear indicator. When the pads wear down, this indicator contacts the brake disc, creating a high-pitched squeal. This is an intentional early warning system telling you it's time to schedule a brake service.
Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
If your brake pedal feels soft, travels further to the floor than usual, or feels 'spongy,' it could signal air or moisture in the hydraulic brake fluid lines or a potential failure in the master cylinder. This significantly compromises your car's stopping power and must be diagnosed professionally.
Car Pulls to One Side
When you apply the brakes, does your car pull to the left or right? This is often caused by a stuck brake caliper or a collapsed brake hose, which creates an imbalance in the braking force applied to your wheels. This can be dangerous, especially in emergency braking situations.
Vibrations Through Pedal or Steering Wheel
A pulsing or vibrating sensation felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel during braking is a classic symptom of warped brake discs (rotors). Warping creates an uneven surface for the brake pads to grip, which reduces braking efficiency and can affect vehicle control.
Noticing these signs? Don't risk it. Schedule your free inspection today.
A Complete Range of Brake Services
Our 'free' offer isn't a quick glance. It's a comprehensive, no-obligation inspection to give you a complete picture of your brake health. We perform a visual check of brake pad thickness and condition, measure brake disc thickness against manufacturer specifications, test the brake fluid for moisture content, and conduct a thorough inspection of all visible hoses and lines for leaks or perishing.
We don't just swap the pads. Our technicians meticulously clean and lubricate the caliper carriers and slide pins to prevent sticking and ensure even, quiet operation—a critical step that some garages skip to save time. We only use E90-compliant or OEM-quality pads to meet exacting safety standards for your peace of mind.
Discs require replacement when they are warped, heavily corroded, or worn below the manufacturer's minimum safety thickness. For optimal safety and performance, brake pads are always replaced at the same time as the discs to ensure a perfect mating surface and reliable stopping power from day one.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere over time. This moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point, which can lead to a dangerous loss of braking performance known as 'brake fade' under heavy use. We recommend following the industry-standard two-year replacement interval to keep your braking system performing as it should.
Our workshop is equipped with advanced, dealer-level diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose faults within complex Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), traction control (ESC), and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) systems. This capability is a key differentiator from smaller garages and ensures we can pinpoint the issue quickly and accurately.
The Local Experts with National Approval
At Alpha MOT, we're not just another garage; we're a dedicated part of the Colchester community. As a locally owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our customers based on trust, transparency, and expert service.
Unlike impersonal national chains or faceless booking websites, we're right here in Colchester, fully accountable for the work we do. Our mission is to keep you and your family safe on the road, and we stand behind every repair with a personal commitment to quality and a 12-month guarantee. That is the Alpha MOT difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost varies depending on your vehicle's make and model. However, we are committed to transparent pricing. After our free brake check, we will provide you with a detailed, fixed-price quote for your approval before any work begins. This ensures there are no surprises.
The lifespan of brake pads can range from 25,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving style, vehicle type, and the quality of the pads. Regular checks are the best way to monitor their condition.
Yes, if brake pads are worn below the manufacturer's recommended minimum thickness (typically 1.5mm), it is a major MOT failure. It's a critical safety issue that must be rectified.
Sometimes. If your brake discs are in good condition and above the minimum thickness, you can replace just the pads. However, for optimal performance and safety, we often recommend replacing them together, and it is mandatory if the discs are warped or worn.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are the same as those fitted in the factory. We use OEM-quality or equivalent parts, which are made to the same high standards and specifications, ensuring performance and safety without affecting your vehicle's warranty.
A standard brake pad and disc replacement on one axle typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. We offer same-day appointments and will always give you an accurate time estimate for your specific vehicle.
Absolutely. All our brake repairs, including parts and labour, are covered by our comprehensive 12-month/12,000-mile guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind.
Our free check is a thorough inspection, not just a quick look. It includes a visual check of brake pads and discs, measurement of disc thickness, a check of the brake fluid level and condition, and an inspection of all visible hoses and lines.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to a spongy pedal or even brake failure under heavy use. We recommend replacing it every two years to ensure your safety.
Clear, Upfront Pricing – No Surprises
| Brake Pad Replacement (Front) | Starting from £85 |
| Brake Pad Replacement (Rear) | Starting from £85 |
| Disc & Pad Replacement (Front) | Starting from £190 |
| Disc & Pad Replacement (Rear) | Starting from £190 |
| Brake Fluid Change | Starting from £45 |
| Brake Inspection | FREE |
The prices above are a guide. The final price depends on your vehicle's make and model. We will always provide you with a firm, all-inclusive quote for your approval before any work begins.
Ready for Your Free Brake Check? Book Now or Visit Us
Business Name
Alpha MOT Centre
Address
Unit K, Chandlers Row, Colchester, CO1 2HG
Phone Number
01206 481864Email Address
info@alphamot.co.ukOpening Hours
- Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
- Sunday: Closed