Home / Products / Car Brakes

CAR BRAKES, PADS, DISCS & BRAKE PARTS

Free Brake Check

If you have noticed any of the signs listed below, we would recommend visiting your local Merityre Specialists branch for a free brake check. We will check the condition of your brakes and offer advice if they need to be replaced.

Please note: This is for a free check only and a further booking may be needed if work needs to be carried out.

BOOK FREE BRAKE CHECK

Enter your registration number and postcode and we'll find your vehicle and nearest branch


About Car Brakes

Regular brake checks are vital when it comes to vehicle maintenance, providing you with the opportunity to identify problems before they develop. Car brakes are essentially your vehicle’s safety system, so it's important that they are always performing to their intended ability.

As with all moving components on your car, brakes are subject to wear and tear. And as they start to wear, they will become much less effective. If you notice your brakes squeaking, any unusual signs, as listed below, or if you have not had a car brake service which checks the condition of your brakes in the last 6 months, you should book a free brake check at your local Merityre Specialists branch.


How Do Brakes Work?

Your car brakes are not one component - they are actually a system comprised of discs, valves and cylinders which work together to transmit a force when you press your brake pedal. When you brake, the brake fluid is engaged and it works its way around the system until it squeezes the brake pad against the disc, producing friction which slows the wheels down. When a car slows down, most of the load is transferred to the front of the car, meaning that the front car brakes do most of the work.


How Do Brakes Fail?

Wear and Tear

As a result of the forces of deceleration, discs and pads are the most common brake components to suffer wear and tear. The type of vehicle you drive, your driving style and how frequently you drive will impact how quickly your brakes wear. High speed braking is the main culprit for excessive wear.

Brake discs have a minimum thickness in line with manufacturer safety standards and they will need to be replaced when they reach this limit. Brake discs will need to be replaced in pairs and the brake pads should also be replaced at this time.

Distortion

As well as becoming worn, discs could also suffer from being distorted by heat. This is caused by uneven heating and cooling which forces the brake disc to change shape. Older brakes and brakes that have been worn thin are more likely to suffer distortion

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the atmosphere. As the water content in the brake fluid increases, the boiling point of the fluid decreases, making it easier for the braking fluid to vaporise, becoming a gas which cannot perform in the same way as a liquid. This means that your braking ability will be dramatically compromised if your brake fluid is contaminated by water. If you want to learn how to top up your own brake fluid, check out this handy guide.

When To Replace Your Car Brakes

Fortunately, it is easy to spot signs that there may be a problem with your brakes, and if you do notice any of the following you should make it a priority to have your brakes checked or replaced as soon as possible:

  • Unusual noises when braking including screeching, grinding or squeaking

  • The brake warning light appears on your dashboard

  • Your vehicle pulls to either side when you brake

  • Brake pedal feels hard or spongy to press

  • Vibration or pulsating when braking

  • Steering wheel shakes as you brake

  • Unusual smell when braking

  • Brakes feel noticeably less effective and/or it takes longer to reach a stop

If you do notice any of these signs, contact your local Merityre Specialists to book a FREE brake check.

Find Your Nearest Merityre Specialists Branch