Brake Pads and Discs 

How long brake pads last depends on multiple factors because we all drive differently. Everyday driving will wear down brake pads much faster than a weekend driver and if you live or drive in a busy town like London you’re be subject to a lot more stopping and starting. Whereas a car driving out in the country side will not.

Modern vehicles have sensors that will tell you if your brake pads are wearing or if there is an issue with your ABS. You should always check your dashboard warning lights straight away. Contact Hatcham Autos, we can run diagnostic checks for you that will diagnose the reason for any warning light being on. Low brake pad ware or low fluid light.

Brake pedals should feel firm as you press them. If you can push the pedal to the floor with little resistance or the brake pedal feels spongy then this can be caused by various faults in the braking system, including air in the brake line, low or leaking brake fluid, contamination of the brake fluid with water, which dilutes the brake fluid’s boiling point and can cause brake fade, damage to the brake lines, or a worn master cylinder.

Driving a vehicle with spongy brakes is not recommended, you should avoid driving the car until the braking system issue gets checked and resolved.

Squealing brakes can be caused by brake dust collecting on the brake pads and if the squealing sound goes away after applying the brakes a few times you probably won’t have anything to be worried about but if the problem does not go away or you hear squeals continuously while you're driving, you may have a problem and should get them checked.

The most common cause for brake noise is thinning pads. If you hear a grind or loud shrill, you've its more likely that your pads are worn down.

You shouldn't drive at all with grinding brakes and should get them fixed immediately.

This could indicate that your brake pads need replacing or that something may be pressing against the surface of the brake disc i.e. the metal parts of the brake pad or the caliper itself.

Juddering when braking can be caused sometimes by brake discs warp, caused by the effect of heat build-up or friction over time. This can cause the brakes to judder or pulse when braking from high speed. This sensation feels very similar to the Anti-lock brake system being activated.

You should get them checked immediately.

This can be a sign that your brakes are binding on one side. If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking you should have this checked straight away.

Most manufacturers will recommend that you change your brake fluid every 24 months or 24,000 miles whichever comes sooner and a brake fluid change is part of your cars vital maintenance ensuring the safety of your brake components.

One of the more obvious signs that your brakes need checking are if they start to lose responsiveness. 

If your brakes are not responsive and you need push the brake pedal in further for a reaction, you should have your brakes checked.

Also if your pedal is too high and makes a noise when you press the brakes there is a fault with your brakes.

1. You could experience a spongy brake issue.
2. Air will get into the brake lines.
3. Your brakes will not be responsive.