Brake Disc replacement & repair made easy

Brake discs provide the surface for the brake pads to come into contact with in order to slow the motion of the wheel.

• Mechanic will inspect the brake discs.
• If necessary, the brake discs will be replaced along with new brake pads.
• Mechanic will check the brake system and, if deemed safe, will do a test drive.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a brake discs replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

• If you experience vibration whilst braking.
• If the car start to pull to one side under braking.
• If you notice (or are advised on an MOT) that the disc surfaces have developed scores, pit holes or cracks.

Please note, if you see a surface of fine rust on a mild steel disc after rain, this is quite normal and will rub off once the brakes are used a couple of times.

On average, brake discs and pads replacement times can range from around 1 hour to 2 hours with an average of around 1 hour. The time that the job takes will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Due to the wear and tear on the surfaces, discs are frequently changed during the life time of a vehicle. Usually this is mileage related, but also the vehicles use and weight can mean more frequent changes.

You should expect to have it done once your car has covered anything between 15,000 and 50,000 miles.

A visual examination of the braking system of your car is included every time it is serviced

As with most parts of your car, the less pressure you put on any part of your car’s brakes, the longer they will last. If you carry heavy loads frequently, or tow a caravan for example, your brake system will come under greater pressure than it would otherwise and as such the discs may wear prematurely. Therefore, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle will not only improve your fuel consumption, it will reduce the wear on the brakes.

Also consider your driving style. Anticipating the road conditions ahead, keeping your speed as constant as possible, and thereby avoiding sharp braking are all likely to lengthen the interval between brake disc replacements.

Brake discs will gradually become thinner due to the friction between them and the brake pads.

This wear and tear can be hastened by inappropriate brake pads being fitted, worn brake pads and excessive hard braking. If you can see a rough surface you brake pads will feel it! It will be like running the pads over a cheese grater and they will wear out very quickly!

If the brake discs have worn out prematurely or if you are experiencing trouble under braking, it is advisable to seek the help of an expert to investigate the problem and, if necessary, replace the discs as soon as possible. Driving with brakes that do not function properly can, of course, lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Brake discs are supplied and fitted in axle pairs (i.e. front or rear). It is equally important to have new brake pads fitted at the same time otherwise any wear pattern on the pads from the previous discs could severely reduce the contact area between the two. This is so important that no mechanic would consider doing otherwise.

As with most parts of your car, the less pressure you put on any part of your car’s brakes, the longer they will last. If you carry heavy loads frequently, or tow a caravan for example, your brake system will come under greater pressure than it would otherwise and as such the discs may wear prematurely. Therefore, removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle will not only improve your fuel consumption, it will reduce the wear on the brakes.

Also consider your driving style. Anticipating the road conditions ahead, keeping your speed as constant as possible, and thereby avoiding sharp braking are all likely to lengthen the interval between brake disc replacements.

If you experience any untoward characteristics in your braking, or if you suspect there is any issue with a brake disc or there are concerns about its age or condition, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle. If the brake discs are worn to a point at which brake performance and safety is impaired then it is important to get these replaced immediately and do not drive the vehicle. A mechanic can diagnose any issues and provide advice on any brake repairs required.

Yes, if you are told the brake discs need replacing then this will need to be done in conjunction with the brake pads. If it is has been professionally diagnosed that just the brake pads are worn and have caused no damage to the discs then it is not always needed to replace the discs at the same time. At ClickMechanic we offer brake discs and pads replacements as well as brake pads replacements. If you are unsure which brake parts need replacing then book with a professional mechanic who can check the brakes and advise on next steps. If you experience any untoward characteristics in your braking, book a diagnostic inspection immediately and do not drive the vehicle.

Yes, if you are replacing the discs then you will also need to replace the pads at the same time. At ClickMechanic brake discs are always fitted with new brake pads, no matter how new the pads are. It is a major breach of road safety ethics not to do so as it will seriously degrade your braking ability. If you don’t replace brake discs and pads together, your brand new discs will wear unevenly and can get damaged.

The average life of brake discs will depend on a number of factors, generally disc brakes should last at least 75,000 miles. The way you use your vehicle, how you brake, the quality of the brake parts used and workmanship will ultimately all have an effect on how long brake discs will last so the lifespan can be shorter or longer than average.

Yes, brake disc surfaces can develop scores, pit holes or cracks and can lead to a condition in which they are seriously weakened. If this impedes with the safe operation of the brakes an MOT failure may follow.

The differences can be summed up as follows:

• Disc brakes have calipers that grip the discs directly whereas drum brakes have shoes that press against the drum.
• Disc brakes are generally considered more modern and effective than drum brakes due to their advanced design.
• Disc brakes are usually more expensive than drum brakes.