A Break Service

What Is A Brake Service?

The brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car, so it’s important to ensure they are in good working order and capable of bringing the vehicle to a stop in an emergency.

One of the best ways of doing that is to have your brakes regularly serviced by a trained mechanic. This will give you peace of mind that your braking system is working correctly and that your car is safe to drive on the road.

But what exactly is a brake service? How often should you have one? And how much do they cost? We will answer all that and more in this blog.

What Does A Brake Service Involve?

The following checklist is followed when carrying out a brake service on your vehicle:

A Thorough Inspection Of The Brake Pads And Rotors

The process starts with a visual inspection of the brake pads and rotors. Brake pad condition and wear are both inspected. The rotors are then inspected to ensure there is no sign of excessive wear or scoring.

Replacement Of Worn Components

Any parts found to be excessively worn or faulty during the inspection are recommended to be replaced. This includes brake pads, rotors, wear sensors where applicable and sometimes the calipers themselves. All replacement parts are either manufacturer or quality aftermarket components.

Check And Adjustment Of The Servo And Braking Mechanism

The entire braking system is then checked and adjusted if necessary. The mechanic will look for leaks on brake hoses and around the brake servo. They will also make sure there is enough pressure in the system itself.

Changing The Brake Fluid

Finally, the brake fluid is flushed and replaced. Brake fluid absorbs water over time which can negatively impact braking performance. The brake should always be replaced in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations or every two years.

Signs You Need A Brake Service

There may be times when your braking system develops a fault in between inspections. If you notice any of the following issues, book your car in for a brake service immediately:

Vehicle Pulls To One Side When Braking

A vehicle that pulls to one side when braking may be a sign of excessively worn brake pads, a sticking brake calliper or a leaking brake hose. This is a potentially dangerous situation that needs checking as soon as possible.

Grinding Noise When Applying The Brakes

All brake pads contain a metal wear indicator that grinds against the rotors when applying the brakes. A grinding noise when braking is therefore a sign your brake pads need replacing.

The Brake Pedal Feels Soft

A soft brake pedal is a sign of low pressure in the system. This could be the result of excessively worn brake pads, a faulty brake servo, leaking brake hoses or poor quality brake fluid. This is a potentially dangerous fault that needs checking as soon as possible.

The Brake Light On The Dashboard Is On

The brake light on the dashboard is there to highlight problems with the braking system. The issue could be either pad or pressure-related, either way, don’t ignore it, book your car in and get it checked out.

How Often Should You Service Your Brakes?

You should have your brakes serviced in line with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Most manufacturers stipulate that brakes are checked during the annual service or every 15,000km – whichever comes sooner.

But they may need checking sooner than this if you cover a lot of kilometres or drive aggressively. The lifespan of a set of brake pads varies between 30,000 and 70,000km, depending on driver behaviour, driving conditions and vehicle type.

If you haven’t had your brakes checked for a while or you cover a lot of kilometres, you should get your brakes checked sooner rather than later. Excessively worn brake pads can damage the brake rotors which will make the repair more expensive.

How Much Does A Brake Service Cost?

The cost of a brake service is determined by whether genuine or aftermarket parts are fitted, along with the number of parts that need replacing. A quote will be provided upon inspection.

Brake pads and rotors should always be replaced on a per axle basis and NOT per wheel. Changing just one wheel may cause the car to pull to one side under braking.

Book Your Brake Service Appointment Today

Do you need to have your brakes checked? Then make an appointment with us today. We are a family owned business that specialises in BMW, MINI, Jaguar and Land Rover cars on the Gold Coast.

We offer a full range of services including annual maintenance checks, mechanical repairs, logbook servicing and brake checks. We also offer a choice of genuine or aftermarket parts depending on your budget.

Don’t delay, complete the contact form here or give us a call on (07) 5676 7488 to book your car in for a brake check today.