Vehicle Brakes Service & Car Brake Repair in Hitchin, Hertfordshire

The braking system is complex and involves the collaboration of multiple components. It primarily assists in helping vehicles stop, but can also be used to manoeuvre them in a safe, controlled manner. The primary components of this system are generally listed as the master cylinder, brake discs, servo, calipers, brake fluid, cylinders, drums, pads, and shoes. These parts are linked by a system of tubes and hoses in most vehicles.

The brake pedal is directly connected to the master cylinder, a component filled with brake fluid, which allows for the creation and application of hydraulic pressure. This pressure is applied when the brake pedal is depressed and is used to activate pistons that force the pads, or shoes, onto the rotating parts of the wheel, with the intention of stopping or slowing the vehicle. The two most common types of brake assembly in the UK are disc brakes, and drum brakes.

A brake inspection involves a comprehensive check of the primary components of the braking system. Here at Herts Car Specialists, a brake check involves a preliminary road test, followed by a thorough inspection of the brake and pedal, pads and shoes, wheel cylinder, discs, calipers, drums, handbrake, and brake fluid. This will be followed by a final road test, in order to ensure the vehicle’s brake system is performing at an optimum level.

If you feel your vehicle is in need of a brake inspection, get in contact with Auto Service & Tuning Centre– our team of experts will be happy to assist in arranging a booking or providing any further advice needed.

The frequency at which you should have your brakes or braking system inspected generally varies depending on manufacturer advice, which may be found in the handbook of your vehicle. Ideally, brakes should be inspected around once every six months, or when switching tyres. This number can vary depending on driving style, with cars frequently driven in a stop-start environment generally receiving more wear and tear, and needing more frequent inspections.

Brake inspections are one of the most effective ways to catch any faults or wear early, helping lower repair costs, and ensure the safety of the vehicle. If you are unsure as to when you last had your brakes checked, get in contact with Auto Service & Tuning Centre today to arrange an appointment, or for further advice.

The caliper is an integral part of the vehicle’s braking system, housing the brake pads, and the pistons required to push against the brake rotor, creating the friction needed to control the vehicle or bring it to a stop.

The caliper fits onto the rotor much like a clamp, a clamp that will push the brake pads held within it against the wheel rotor to control when activated by the brake pedal. This allows the brake system to assist in controlling the speed of the vehicle, or stop the wheel from turning.

Generally, a set of brake pads are thought to last from anywhere between 25,000 to 60,000 miles, however, the lifespan of brake pads is highly influenced by the conditions they are exposed to, including;

Driving style – brakes subject to stop-start driving (common in urban environments) tend to suffer from wear and tear much sooner than those most commonly used for motorway driving.

Weight carried by vehicle – added weight is known to impact brake lifespan, with vehicles commonly towing a trailer or caravan, for example, requiring more braking effort than a car with only one passenger.

Type of brake pad used – there are four primary types of brake pad; organic, low metallic, semi-metallic, and ceramic. These are listed in order of general life expectancy and cost.

Milage – the higher the number of miles done; the faster the vehicle’s brake pads will wear out.

Unusual brake noise or atypical brake behaviour are often clear indicators of a brake system issue. Listed below are some of the most common brake noises experienced by our customers, alongside possible causes;

Brake rattle – this noise is a common concern for drivers, most often occurring when the brake pedal is released. The heat expansion in the brake pads is most often the culprit for this noise and is often a non-issue. However, if the rattle becomes consistent, or occurs when the brake pedal is depressed, an inspection may be necessary.

Brake grinding – this noise often indicates a serious problem, and should therefore be investigated immediately. The two primary causes of brake grinding are extreme wear and tear to the brake pads or rotors, or the presence of a foreign object, such as a stone, in the caliper. Grinding as a result of wear and tear is cause for an immediate trip to a specialist for an inspection, and potential repair of replacement, whilst foreign objects can be freed by moving the car forward and backwards in a safe space. If this fails, contacting your local garage is the best step forward, as a foreign object can cause extensive damage.

Brake squeaking – brake squeaking can also be a sign of wear and tear, or, may indicate that the brake is failing to release. In this case, an investigation of the caliper is required.