Book Brake Repairs Near You

Brake Check & Other Brake Repairs Near You

Sometimes, you just need professional reassurance that your car doesn’t have a brake problem. Other times, your problem is nothing to do with your brake pads or discs. That’s where our range of other brake repairs comes in.

You can book a brake fluid replacement or a brake inspection to determine what other brake repairs you need.

 

When to Book a Brake Pad Replacement

You should book a brake pad replacement if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Squealing or grinding noise from your brakes
• Your brakes feel 'spongy' when you press the pedal
• Your car takes longer to stop
• You need to press the brake pedal more firmly to get your car to stop
• Your car pulls to one side under braking
• You feel a juddering or vibration while braking
• You can push the brake pedal all the way to the floor
• The brake pedal doesn't 'spring back' when released

 

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should book a brake pad replacement at a garage near you as soon as possible. You should also keep track of your brake pad replacement intervals so you don’t leave it too long between changes. While brake pads can last 60,000 miles, you should look to change them earlier to avoid excess deterioration.

 

Why Book Your Brake Repairs Through BookMyGarage?

We have helped over 5 million drivers compare and save on their MOT, servicing and repair costs at local garages. In fact, when you compare garages near you through our online comparison site, you can save up to 70% when you choose one of the lower-cost options!

As one of the UK’s leading MOT and service comparison sites, we’re dedicated to helping drivers save money on their car maintenance. Here are just some of the ways we keep you in control of your brake repairs:

 

24/7 Online Booking. When you need brake repairs, you want to book them as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait around for the garage to open so you can call up and get it sorted - and with BookMyGarage, you don’t have to. We allow you to make your appointment day or night, even when the garage is closed.

Transparent Prices. Garages on our comparison site always set and update their own prices, so there are no nasty surprises at the end of your appointment. This price won’t change unless you agree to extra repairs directly with the garage.

Filter Garages Your Way. Whether you want to book the cheapest brake repairs near you or care more about the garage’s reviews, we’ve got you covered. You can filter your search results by price, reviews & ratings, distance, availability and additional services to find the best deal for your needs.

 

Compare deals and save up to 70% on your car maintenance when you choose one of the lower-cost options through BookMyGarage. Enter your vehicle reg and postcode to compare instant prices on brake repairs near you and book the best deal today.

 

How to Book Brake Repairs Near You

1. Enter your vehicle reg and postcode into our online booking tool at the top of the page.
2. Click the button to compare instant prices.
3. Filter our list of garages by price, distance, availability, reviews and ratings or extra services offered.
4. Choose the perfect garage for you, select any extra products you need and click ‘Book Now’.
5. Choose a suitable date and time for your appointment and enter your full name, email address and a contact number. You will also have the option to tell the garage about any problems you have noticed with your car. If you have selected Vehicle Collection and Delivery, please provide an address for pickup and drop-off.
6. Complete your booking and relax!

 

After you book your brake repairs, we send you a confirmation email with a summary of your booking. We also inform the garage and they may also be in touch to confirm the appointment or to ask for extra details.

You never pay for your booking until after all the work has been completed and deal with the garage directly after the initial booking process. You also have the ability to change or cancel your booking for free until the day of your appointment.

 

 

FAQs

How Do Car Brakes Work?

When you press down on the brake pedal, it activates a plunger in the master cylinder. This forces brake fluid through the system which, in turn, applies pressure on the other brake components. These are forced against the wheels and slow your car down.

There are two main types of brakes: disc brakes and drum brakes. Most modern cars use disc braking systems on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear, while older cars use drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels.

Disc brake systems have two pads per wheel. These clamp down on the brake disc when the pedal is depressed. Pressurised brake fluid sends a plunger in the calliper forward, forcing the brake pads to squeeze either side of the brake disc. This slows your vehicle down.

Drum brakes work the same way, but use braking shoes instead of pads. These are stored in the steel brake drum itself and, when pressure is applied, the wheel cylinder expands. This component forces the brake shoes apart and towards the inside edge of the drum.

 

What Are Brakes Made Up Of?

A modern braking system is made up of the following parts:

• Brake lines which supply the brake fluid
• Brake pads. These blocks press against your brake discs to slow the car down
• Brake callipers. These house the brake pads and push them against the discs
• Brake discs. These are metal rotors that spin with your wheels
• Brake fluid which provides the pressure to push the brake pads against the discs

 

Most modern vehicles now use anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to make braking safer. They can identify wheels that are about to lock up and help you avoid a skid or loss of control under heavy braking. The only surfaces where ABS isn’t effective are ice, gravel or other slippery surfaces.

 

How Often Do I Need New Brake Pads?

Front brake pads last between 25,000 and 60,000 miles. Rear brake pads last longer because the front pads sustain about 70% of the braking load. However, they are unlikely to last beyond 60,000 miles.

 

How Often Do I Need New Brake Discs?

Brake discs can last between 80,000 and 120,000 miles on average, but you should change them every 50,000 miles. This means a mechanic may suggest changing your brake pads and discs together in order to make it more cost-effective for you in the long run. This is more likely if you usually brake in an aggressive manner because you can shorten the lifespan of both your brake pads and discs.

 

How Long Does it Take to Get Brake Pads and Discs Fitted?

On average, it takes between 1-3 hours to fit a new set of brake pads and brake discs. A brake pad replacement usually takes between 30-60 minutes and a brake disc change takes roughly the same length of time.

 

Should I Replace My Brake Pads and Discs at the Same Time?

It is generally recommended that drivers replace their brake pads and discs at the same time, wherever possible. Replacing both at the same time improves the lifespan and efficiency of your braking system. It also reduces uneven and excess wear on brake pads.

However, you may be able to just replace your pads as discs often live longer. This is subject to the level of wear and tear they are showing. When you book your car in for a brake pad replacement, a technician will always give their professional opinion on whether you need to replace your discs at the same time. We recommend listening to their recommendations and completing all vital maintenance at the proper time.

 

How Do I Move a Car With Seized Brakes?

If your brakes are only partially seized, you may be able to release them by rocking the car. Switch the engine on and drive forward and reverse in succession. Make sure you are in a safe position before you try this and stop if you don’t feel an improvement. You may cause other damage otherwise.

If your brakes are completely seized, you will need to get the car towed to a garage for a brake repair. 

We would strongly recommend booking an inspection if you notice your brakes become partially seized as well. Continuing to drive on ineffective brakes can endanger you and other road users.

 

What Causes Squeaky Brakes?

There are many reasons why your brakes could be squeaking and many of them may not even require a brake repair to solve.

• Disuse. If you don’t use your car regularly, a thin layer of rust and dirt can form on the brake pads. As your car clears this, it may produce a small squeak.
• Cold Weather. Metal contracts when exposed to cold temperatures, so your brakes may be reacting to an environmental change.
• A Heavy Car. If you overload your car, your brakes may not be able to cope. Try and remove some excess weight and see if the squeaking noise goes away.

 

However, squeaky brakes are also caused by more serious reasons. If the sound is regular, sounds like sheet metal ripping and doesn’t go away quickly, you may need to book brake repairs near you. Examples of more serious problems include:

• Glazed Brake Pads. When your brakes become glazed, the calliper becomes sticky and leaves the brakes partially applied. This can increase your braking distance and cause a constant high-pitched squeaking sound.
• Thin or Worn Brake Pads. This is one of the most severe causes of squeaking brakes. If you haven’t replaced your brake pads at the regular interval, they may no longer be effective enough to stop your car. The squeaking you hear is the wear indicator rubbing against the brake rotors.

 

If you are concerned about the squeaking noise, we recommend booking an inspection or repair at a garage near you. The technician will be able to determine the cause of your issue and provide a high-quality solution.

 

Why Are My New Brakes Squeaking?

It is normal to hear a squeaking noise if you have recently changed any part of your brakes. They take a few miles to adjust and bed in and the noise should go away on its own.

If you notice your new brakes squeaking several days after your appointment, and you have driven regularly, they may be fitted incorrectly. You should contact the garage that originally completed your brake repairs and ask them to resolve the issue.

 

Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

There are several reasons why your brakes are grinding. Here are several common situations where you might hear your brakes grinding, the cause and the solution.

 

Situation	Cause	Solution
Slowing Down or Stopping (squealing or grinding)	Worn Brake Pads	Book a Brake Pad Replacement Immediately
Slowing Down or Stopping (sharp grinding sound)	Brake Disc & Caliper Rubbing Together	Book a Brake Pad Replacement Immediately. You may also need to replace your discs and/or rotors by this point.
When Driving	Rocks & Debris Lodged in the System	Remove the Debris as Soon as Possible
When Stopping Suddenly	Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	None. Once you take your foot off the pedal, the grinding should stop. If it doesn’t, you should book a brake pad replacement immediately.