Car Brakes Inspected, Repaired and Replaced

At Alpha MOT Centre, we understand the critical importance of your car brakes for vehicle safety. All brake components wear and deteriorate over time, making regular car brake inspections essential. That’s why we offer free brake safety inspections at our Colchester MOT Centre branch to ensure you and your passengers remain safe on the road.

If you’re concerned about your car’s brake performance or need a check-up before a long journey, book your car brake inspection and replacement appointment today. Our expert brake technicians will perform a free, no-obligation inspection, providing a detailed brake report and a quote for any necessary work. Whether it’s a simple brake pad replacement or a full system overhaul, we use top-quality parts and advanced diagnostics to keep your vehicle in peak condition.

Trust our local expert mechanics to offer the best advice and competitive prices, ensuring your brakes are in optimal working order. Book your brake service online now and drive with confidence!

When Should I Get a Car Brake Inspection?

Ensuring your car brakes are in top condition is vital for your safety. At Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester, we recommend looking out for these tell-tale signs that indicate you need a brake inspection:

Grinding Noise:

If you hear a grinding noise when braking, it means the friction material on your brake pads is heavily worn, exposing the metal caliper. This can damage the brake disc, so get it checked at our Colchester centre.

Squeaking Brakes:

Squeaking brakes can be caused by a stuck brake caliper or worn brake pads with wear indicators. If you notice any squeaking, visit Alpha MOT Centre for a thorough inspection.

Pulsating Brake Pedal:

A continuous pulsating brake pedal might indicate a warped brake disc due to excessive heat. If this happens regularly, bring your car to our Colchester branch for a professional assessment.

Vehicle Pulling:

If your car pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to a sticking hydraulic or mechanical component, like a seized caliper. Our experts in Colchester can identify and fix the issue.

Spongy Brake Pedal:

A spongy and unresponsive brake pedal suggests air in the brake lines, affecting brake fluid flow. Get this checked immediately at Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester.

Soft Brake Pedal:

A brake pedal that goes all the way to the floor indicates a serious fault, possibly due to ineffective brake fluid or a master cylinder issue. Visit our Colchester centre for an urgent inspection.

Brake Warning Light:

A brake warning light on your dashboard usually means critically low brake fluid or a leak in the brake hoses. For practical advice and a solution, come to Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester.

High Handbrake:

If your handbrake pulls up higher than normal, typically more than 6 to 8 clicks, it may need adjusting. A high handbrake lever can cause an MOT failure, so get it checked at our Colchester centre.

Old Brake Fluid:

Brake fluid over two years old loses effectiveness due to its hygroscopic properties. Check your manufacturer’s handbook and change the brake fluid approximately every two years. Alpha MOT Centre can help with this.

Regular brake checks are a crucial part of your vehicle’s maintenance plan. At Alpha MOT Centre, we can identify problems before they affect your braking efficiency, ensuring your vehicle’s braking system performs optimally. For more details on brake issues and signs, visit our dedicated blog.

For safety’s sake, if you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a brake inspection at Alpha MOT Centre. Our expert technicians are here to keep you safe on the road.

How Often Should Car Brakes Be Replaced?

The frequency of replacing car brakes can vary based on several factors, including driving habits, the type of vehicle, and the quality of brake components. However, as a general guideline, brake pads should typically be replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 miles, while brake discs might need replacement every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. It’s crucial to monitor for signs of wear, such as squeaking or grinding noises, a spongy brake pedal, or reduced braking performance

How much do brake pads cost?

The cost of brake pads can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the quality of the brake pads, and where you purchase them. On average, you can expect to pay between £30 and £70 for a set of standard brake pads. High-performance or specialty brake pads can cost significantly more, ranging from £100 to £200 or more per set.

How much do brake discs cost?

Brake discs are generally replaced in pairs and cost on average around £75 each, fully fitted. However, prices can start from as little as £30 per disc, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the type of brake discs required.

Cost to Replace a Brake Wheel Cylinder

Replacing a brake wheel cylinder can be more complex than changing brake pads and discs, and it’s also less commonly required. If you need to change your brake wheel cylinder, it’s a good idea to consider a brake fluid change at the same time to avoid having dirty old brake fluid in a new cylinder.

On average, a new brake wheel cylinder costs around £45, with prices starting from as little as £35, fully fitted, including labour.

For reliable service and competitive pricing, visit Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester. Our expert technicians ensure top-quality brake repairs and maintenance to keep your vehicle safe and efficient.

Cost to replace brake fluid

Replacing brake fluid is an essential part of vehicle maintenance to ensure optimal braking performance. At Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester, the cost for a brake fluid change is £39.99.

There are some key indicators that may suggest your car needs a brake fluid change, such as a spongy brake pedal, reduced braking efficiency, or a brake warning light on your dashboard.

At Alpha MOT Centre, we only use quality parts that are manufactured to OE (original equipment) standards, and all our parts and workmanship come with a UK-wide, no-quibble guarantee

Can I drive with faulty brakes?

Driving with faulty brakes is extremely dangerous and illegal under UK law. Faulty brakes can reduce stopping power, lead to unpredictable performance, and even cause complete brake failure. UK regulations require all vehicles to have fully functional brakes; driving without them can result in fines, penalties, and increased risk of accidents.

If you notice any brake issues, visit Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester immediately. Our expert technicians will ensure your brakes are safe and compliant with legal standards. Don’t risk your safety or legal consequences—get your brakes checked today.

My brakes are squeaking- what should I do?

If your brakes are squeaking, it’s important to address the issue promptly to ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive. Here’s what you should do:

1. Inspect the Brake Pads: Squeaking often indicates worn brake pads. Have them inspected and replaced if necessary.
2. Check for Debris: Dirt or debris between the brake pad and rotor can cause noise. Cleaning the brake components might solve the problem.
3. Look for Wear Indicators: Some brake pads have built-in wear indicators that squeak when it’s time for a replacement.
4. Lubricate Brake Components: Proper lubrication of brake components can reduce squeaking caused by friction.

Visit Alpha MOT Centre in Colchester for a comprehensive brake inspection. Our expert technicians will diagnose the cause of the squeaking and recommend the necessary repairs to keep your brakes in optimal condition. Don’t ignore brake noises—ensure your safety with a professional check-up today.

FREE BRAKE INSPECTION

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