I always advise drivers to check customer reviews, get a quote up front and don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s the best way to make sure your car’s in safe hands.
Matthew James
FixMyCar's Garage Network Manager
Get quotes for brake repairs near you
Compare costs and get your brakes fixed at a trusted local garage
30-90 minutes per axle
average repair time
£440.93
average quote for brake repairs
The braking system is responsible for slowing down and eventually stopping your vehicle by converting energy from movement (kinetic energy) into heat. Brakes that are in good condition provide improved vehicle safety, fuel efficiency and overall responsiveness.
A repair might involve replacing a specific part, such as the brake pads or discs, fixing a leak in the brake lines, or changing the brake fluid.
Common signs you need a brake repair
Squealing/squeaking noises: Usually caused by built-up rust or the pads sticking in the calliper carriers.
Spongy or soft brake pedal: Can be caused by low, leaking or contaminated brake fluid, air in the brake lines or a faulty master cylinder.
Car pulls to one side: Can indicate uneven brake wear or a stuck calliper.
Grinding noises: Often a sign of worn brake pads.
Longer-than-usual stopping distance: Typically happens due to leaking brake fluid or worn components.
Vibrating brake pedal: Likely caused by warped brake rotors.
Visible fluid leak: Common places for leaks include the master cylinder, brake lines, callipers and wheel drums.
Here are the top five brake problems you should never ignore.
Want to learn more about diagnosing car problems? Read this guide.
What to expect from a brake repair
How long will it take?
A car brake repair can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the extent of the work required.
⏱️ Estimated repair times:
Brake pads: 30-90 minutes per axle
Brake discs/rotors: one to two hours per axle
Complete brake replacement: three hours or more
Brake fluid change: 30 minutes to one hour
How much will it cost?
The average price of a brake repair on FixMyCar is £440.93.
| Car make | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £519.71 |
| BMW | £644.30 |
| Citroen | £376.03 |
| Ford | £376.87 |
| Mercedes | £612.10 |
| MINI | £394.11 |
| Nissan | £392.69 |
| Peugeot | £392.33 |
| Renault | £488.57 |
| Toyota | £399.94 |
| Vauxhall | £38.28 |
| Volkswagen | £377.29 |
| Volvo | £427.95 |
Factors affecting the cost:
Your make and model: The quality and performance of the required parts is determined by the manufacturer
The labour rate: Mechanics charge a labour rate typically ranging between £50 and £80 per hour
The parts used: Premium and OEM brake parts come with a higher price tag
The length of the job: Complex repairs take longer and end up costing more
ⓘ Some repairs are hard to price accurately without inspecting the vehicle first. If you’re given a very low quote, it may only cover an initial diagnostic check to identify the problem. After that, the garage can provide a precise estimate for the actual work needed.
You can message garages directly through our platform to confirm what’s included in any quote. Learn more about why garages sometimes quote for diagnostics.
OEM vs aftermarket brake parts
OEM and aftermarket are the two main categories of vehicle parts.
OEM parts are made by the car’s manufacturer or an authorised supplier. They cost more upfront but tend to be more reliable and last longer. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by a third party and are often cheaper. Their quality varies.
Learn more about OEM vs aftermarket parts.
How long should brakes last?
Most cars have disc brakes, which consist of discs, callipers and pads.
Drum brakes, which consist of drums, shoes and wheel cylinders, are less common in modern passenger cars. Drum brake assemblies can last up to 150,000 miles, but the shoes typically need to be replaced every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
Three tips to keep your car's brakes in good condition
Avoid speeding: Slamming your brakes on will wear them down quickly.
Look ahead: Try to spot hazards early so you can react in good time.
Service your brakes: Regular maintenance keeps them in good condition for longer.
Brake repairs near you
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Choosing the right repair
If you already know what’s wrong with your brakes, select what you need from the options below.
Brake pad and disc replacement
Get your pads and discs changed at the same time.
Brake pad replacement
If you’ve noticed a grinding noise, a vibrating brake pedal or poor responsiveness from the brakes, worn pads could be to blame.
Brake calliper repair
If your car pulls to one side, you might have a seized calliper.
Brake fluid change
Brake fluid should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles.
Brake servo repair
A faulty brake servo will usually cause a sucking or whooshing noise, often accompanied by a hard brake pedal and longer stopping distances.
ABS sensor repair
Signs of an ABS sensor problem include the ABS warning light, longer stopping distances, locking up during hard braking and a loss of traction control.
Drum brake repairs
A drum brake repair might involve replacing the brake shoes, springs or hardware.
Handbrake repairs
If your handbrake doesn’t hold your car on a hill, or the lever feels too loose or too tight, you probably need to book a repair.
Squeaking brake repairs
Brakes can squeak for a range of reasons, including worn components, rust, dirt and glazing.
Mobile brake replacement
Get your brakes replaced from the comfort of your home, at work, or at any other location of your choice, as long as it’s safe.
Why choose FixMyCar?
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✅ Competitive pricing
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✅ Convenience and reliability
Enter your car details and postcode, and we’ll show you trusted options nearby.
✅ Knowledge at your fingertips
Our advice guides explain what’s happening under the bonnet and how to avoid surprise costs.
How it works
The all-in-one place to book your car repair
Compare prices from local garages, mechanics and dealerships in 3 simple steps. 🙌
- STEP 1Enter your car registration + locationLet us know your details so we can find you accurate quotes.
- STEP 2Compare prices from the best garagesYou're in the driving seat. Choose the right garage for you based on price, proximity and customer reviews.
- STEP 3Book your service online instantlyBook your chosen garage at a time that works for you.
How to find a good garage
Getting your car repaired can be stressful - but it doesn't have to be. We're here to help you find a garage you can trust.
Questions to ask your chosen mechanic
Below are ten questions to ask a mechanic before getting your car fixed, recommended by Matt Wrankmore, Head of FixMyCar’s Garage Network.
What is the problem with my car?
What are my repair options?
How much is your labour rate?
Can you provide a written estimate of how much the repair will cost?
What parts will be used, OEM or aftermarket?
Roughly how long will the repair take?
Will you contact me before carrying out any unexpected repairs?
Does the repair come with a warranty?
Are you a member of The Motor Ombudsman or any other industry bodies?
Are you a member of any approved garage networks?
Get brake repair quotes
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive with faulty brakes?
Many modern cars are equipped with brake wear sensors that activate a dashboard warning light when the brake pads need to be replaced. The light is designed to come on before the pads become dangerously thin, giving you sufficient time to arrange a repair. In this situation, there's no need to stop driving immediately.
However, if your car's braking performance is significantly impacted, preventing you from stopping and slowing down, you should avoid driving until after the vehicle has been repaired.
How much does it cost to repair brakes?
The cost of a brake repair depends on your make and model of car, which parts of the braking system need to be fixed, and the quality of the parts used.
Replacing the front and rear brake pads and discs can cost anywhere from £350 to over £800. The cost of a master cylinder replacement typically ranges from £200 to £500.
Should you replace all four brake pads at once?
You don’t have to replace all four brake pads in one go, but you should always replace them in pairs – meaning both front pads together and both rear pads together.
How do car brakes work?
When you press the brake pedal, it sends hydraulic fluid to each wheel’s calliper, squeezing the brake pad onto the spinning disc. That squeeze creates friction, which slows your car down.
Want to learn more about how brakes work? Check out this guide.
What are the different parts of a braking system?
- Pedal
- Brake booster (servo)
- Master cylinder
- Brake fluid
- Reservoir
- Brake lines/hoses
- Pads
- Callipers
- Handbrake
Additionally, the following parts are found in the anti-lock braking system (ABS):
- Wheel speed sensors
- Valves
- Pump
- Controller
Can brakes work without fluid?
Conventional hydraulic brakes won't work without fluid; it's vital for transferring pressure from the pedal to the callipers. Without it, the brakes can't engage.
Our network of garages is trusted by...
Not sure what’s wrong with your car?
Learn more about brakes before you book:
Alternatively, if you think the issue could be related to something else, why not book a diagnostic test? This guide covers everything you need to know, including how much it costs and the benefits.
Get brake diagnostic quotes
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Can include- Diagnostic test
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