Car Brake inspection, repair & replacement made easy

You should get your brakes inspected every 6 to 12 months, for example during regular maintenance, during the yearly MOT the brakes are checked as standard. That said, when a brake warning light or brake pad wear sensor lights up on your dashboard make sure you get the get brakes inspected as they can point to an issue. Most modern cars have a brake pad wear sensor that will light up on your warning dashboard when it's time to get the brake pads (and brake discs) replaced.

However, the brake pad sensor cannot detect and alert you of problems that can occur with other parts of the braking system. So even though you've passed the MOT check and have done an annual service, brake problems can occur in the interim. If you're a regular driver, it is recommended to get your brakes inspected more often, for example every six months or every time you do an oil change.

A brake job like a brake pad replacement can last more than 50,000 miles. It will depend on various factors such as the quality of the brake pads you have fitted, your driving style, and the type of vehicle you own. In certain circumstances brake pads for example may only last around 20,000 miles. Usually, brake discs will also need to be replaced when brake pads are replaced which is an average of around 50,000 miles or so.

There are a few possible causes for brakes scraping or making a "grinding" noise. The most common causes are:

• Brake pads are worn down
• Brake discs is warped or rusted

In both cases the issue needs to be addressed immediately as ignoring this can be a safety hazard. The pads and shoes that make contact with the brake rotors and drums wear down over time, and eventually need to be replaced.

A brake inspection can include:

• Brake pads and discs check
• Brake hydraulics check
• Brake pedal check
• Brake lines check
• Brake fluid level check

With ClickMechanic, a mechanic will carry out an inspection to locate the source of the problem and establish what next steps are needed to rectify the problem. If necessary the mechanic will test drive the car to arrive at a verdict.

Brake wear depends on a few factors but some ways that help with making your brake pads last longer, including:

• Anticipate when you will need to brake, and avoid hard braking whenever possible
• Drive slower and more smoothly
• Check your brakes regularly for wear and tear
• Remove excessive weight from the vehicle
• Get brakes serviced as per the manufacturer's recommendations

No, it is not recommended to drive if your brake pads are worn out. Worn out brake pads must be replaced immediately as it can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. It can furthermore lead to a fine, penalty points on your licence and further prosecution.