Car brakes

Why do your car brakes need replacing?

Your car's braking system is made up of many different components, which all work together to bring your vehicle to a stop when you press down on the brake pedal.

The components in your braking system include:

• Brake discs: these spin with your car's wheels.

• Brake pads: these push on the discs to slow your car.

• Brake calipers: these hold and push the pads.

• Brake lines: these carry brake fluid.

Because of the many parts, when something goes wrong, it's not always immediately clear what's causing the problem. If just one component starts to wear or fail, it can have an immediate impact on the functioning of the braking system.

Your car's brakes are fundamental to driving safely, so it's essential to get your brakes checked as soon as you notice something different or unusual about them.

A mechanic will be able to check your brakes and tell you what's causing the problem. They'll then let you know the type of brake repair you need.

Brake replacement

Often, if you’re having problems with your brakes, they’ll need replacing entirely. Over time, brakes wear naturally, so your car will generally need a brake replacement every 50,000 miles. 

A mechanic might replace your front brakes, back brakes, or all four brakes, depending on the extent of the wear or damage.

The brake pads or brake discs are the parts replaced most often. The cost of a replacement will depend on the component that needs replacing, the number of replacement parts needed, and your car's model. 

You can find out the average price of a brake replacement using our online comparison tool.

Brake pad and disc fitting

The brake pads and brake discs are the most vital components of your car's braking system. Getting new pads and discs fitted is relatively straightforward and a very common job for a mechanic. You will inevitably need a brake pad and disc change at some point during your vehicle's lifespan, most often between 25,000-60,000 miles.

Your brake pads usually need replacing more often. If you hear an unusual noise when you brake, you might need a brake pad replacement. Worn brake pads will eventually cause damage to your brake discs, which may then end up needing replacing, too, so it's essential to get your brakes checked as soon as you suspect signs of damage.

It's worth remembering that if you often drive in busy towns or areas with a lot of stop-and-start traffic, your brake pads and discs will need replacing sooner than if you mainly drive on motorways. 

Brake fluid replacement

Brake fluid is what creates the pressure that helps you brake. Without it, nothing would happen when you put your foot down on the pedal. 

It's best to replace your brake fluid every two years or every 24,000 miles. You may need to flush out and replace your brake fluid if you suspect it's contaminated. When it comes into contact with oxygen from the air, brake fluid oxidises and can stop your brakes from working. 

Key warning signs that your brake fluid needs to be replaced or is contaminated include: 

• A warning light on your dashboard (!).

• Your car takes longer to brake.

• It takes more force or effort to brake.

• Your brake pedal responds slowly.

It's not possible to change your brake fluid at home. Instead, it's best to get the job done by a professional with specialist equipment. This will ensure that the job is done properly and that contamination is avoided. Compare quotes and book a brake fluid change at a garage near you.

Brake problems and symptoms

Because of the multiple components included in your car's braking system, many things could be causing the problem. However, there are a handful of key symptoms that suggest there's an issue with your brakes.

If you think you might need a brake repair, you might be experiencing one or more of the following issues: 

• Pulling to one side when you brake is an issue with your brake lines. The sides may be wearing unevenly.

• Shaking or juddering when you brake is caused by the wearing of the brake discs.

• Difficulty stopping or slowing the car can be caused by several things, but it most likely involves your brake fluid.

• A brake pedal that feels 'spongy' is likely an issue with the master cylinder. 

• Brake pedals that can be pushed to the floor is a brake fluid issue.

• Brake pedals that don't spring back when released may be caused by problems with the brake lines, brake fluid, or cylinder.

• A grinding noise when you brake is often caused by worn brake pads. If left unrepaired for too long, your brake discs will become damaged too.

If you experience anything unusual to do with your brakes, getting them checked straight away is important. A professional will diagnose the issue and perform the proper repair to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Changing your brake fluid at the garage is a simple and straightforward job. 

Like any repair or maintenance, the cost of a brake fluid change depends on your vehicle's make. It costs more to change the brake fluid on a more expensive model. The average price of a brake fluid change is £56.83 when booked via WhoCanFixMyCar. 

It's quick and easy to find and compare quotes for a brake fluid change. Just enter your registration number to get started.