Faulty Brakes

At Cheltenham and Gloucester Autocentre our top priority is the safety of our customers.

We see vehicles every day that have worn Brake Pads. Indeed, it is estimated that the problem causes c.25% of all road traffic accidents. That’s why we’ve written this article so you’ll know what to look out for, how to save money on your brakes, and stay safe at the same time.

Faulty Brakes can be extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death. If a vehicle’s Brakes are not functioning properly, it can be difficult or impossible for the driver to stop the vehicle in a timely manner, which can increase the risk of collision. Additionally, if the Brakes fail completely, the driver may lose control of the vehicle and be unable to steer or manoeuvre.

How does the Brake System on a modern vehicle work?

The Brake System on a modern vehicle typically consists of several key components:

1. The Brake Pedal: This is the pedal that the driver presses with their foot to activate the Brakes. When the driver presses the pedal, it sends a mechanical signal to the brake system.
2. The Brake Master Cylinder: This is a Hydraulic Pump that converts the mechanical signal from the Brake Pedal into hydraulic pressure. The Brake Master Cylinder is typically located under the bonnet of the vehicle.
3. The Brake lines and hoses: These are the pipes and hoses that transport the Brake Fluid from the Brake Master Cylinder to the Brake Calipers and Wheel Cylinders. The Brake lines and hoses are typically made of steel or rubber.
4. The Brake Calipers and Wheel Cylinders: These are the components that convert the hydraulic pressure from the Brake system into mechanical force that is applied to the Brake Pads. Brake Calipers have pistons which press on the Brake Pads which creates the friction to stop the vehicle. The Calipers are located at each wheel of the vehicle,
5. The Brake Pads and Discs: These are the friction pads and metal discs that the Caliper press against to stop the vehicle. When the Brake Pedal is pressed, the Brake Pads press against the Brake Discs to create friction, which slows down and stops the vehicle’s wheels.

When you press the Brake Pedal, Brake Fluid is pressurised and sent through the Brake lines and hoses to the Calipers or Wheel Cylinders. The pressurised fluid pushes the Pistons in the Calipers or Wheel Cylinders, which then press the Brake Pads against the Discs. The friction created between the Pads and Discs slows down the wheels of the vehicle and brings it to a stop.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) can also be integrated with the brake system in modern vehicles. ABS uses sensors to detect when the wheels are about to lock up during braking, and then automatically modulates the brake pressure to prevent the wheels from locking. This allows the driver to maintain steering control and braking effectiveness during emergency stops.

Because of the number of parts involved in a modern vehicle’s Braking System there are several specific components that can become dangerous and require regular maintenance. For example:

• Worn Brake Pads: Over time, the Brake Pads on a vehicle can wear down, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the amount of time it takes for the vehicle to come to a stop.
• Leaking Brake Fluid: If the Brake Fluid leaks out of the Brake System, it can reduce the pressure in the system and make it difficult for the driver to apply the brakes.
• Contaminated Brake Fluid: If Brake Fluid becomes contaminated with water or other substances, it can reduce the effectiveness of the Brakes or cause them to fail altogether.
• Worn or damaged Brake Discs: The Brake Discs are the metal discs that the Brake Pads press against to stop the vehicle. If the Discs become worn or damaged, they may not be able to effectively stop the vehicle.
• A malfunctioning Brake Caliper : It is the component that presses the Brake Pads against the Discs to create the friction that stops the vehicle. A malfunctioning Brake Caliper can cause uneven braking and make it difficult to stop the vehicle.

It is important to have regular maintenance and inspection of the Brakes to prevent potential issues. If you suspect that your Brakes may not be working properly, it is important that you call us as soon as possible to avoid any risk of accidents.

If you suspect that your vehicle’s Brakes may be malfunctioning, there are several signs that you should look out for:

1. Reduced braking power: If your Brakes feel “soft” or unresponsive when you press on the pedal, or if your vehicle takes longer to come to a stop than usual, it could be a sign of a problem with the Brake System.
2. Grinding or squealing noises: If you hear a grinding or squealing noise when you apply the Brakes, it could be a sign that the Brake Pads have worn down and need to be replaced.
3. Pulling to one side: If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the Brakes, it could be a sign of uneven wear on the Brake Pads or an issue with the Brake Caliper.
4. Spongy pedal: If your Brake Pedal feels spongy or mushy to the touch, it could be a sign of air in the Brake Lines or low Brake Fluid levels.
5. Warning light on dash: A warning light on your dashboard that indicate a Brake problem, such as a low Brake Fluid level or malfunctioning Brake System
6. Vibration: If you feel vibration or noise when braking it could be a sign of a problem with the Rotor, if you encounter this issue, have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have your vehicle’s Brake system checked as soon as possible. Delaying repairs or maintenance can lead to further damage and can reduce the overall effectiveness of the Brakes, increasing the risk of an accident.

How can I extend the life of my vehicle Brakes?

There are several things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle’s Brakes:

1. Drive carefully and avoid sudden stops: Sudden stops and aggressive driving can put a lot of stress on your Brakes and cause them to wear out faster. Try to anticipate traffic and plan your stops accordingly to avoid heavy braking.
2. Avoid heavy loads: Towing a trailer or carrying heavy loads can put additional strain on your Brakes and cause them to wear out faster. If you’re planning to tow or carry a heavy load, make sure your Brakes are in good condition before you start.
3. Keep your vehicle in good condition: Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your Brakes. Make sure to have your Brakes checked regularly by a professional mechanic, and have any issues addressed as soon as possible.
4. Check your Brake Fluid: Over time, the Brake Fluid in your vehicle can become contaminated or can start to degrade. This can reduce the effectiveness of your Brakes and cause them to wear out faster. Have a professional mechanic check your Brake Fluid periodically, and have it replaced if it is dirty or contaminated.
5. Use the appropriate Brake Pads: There are different types of Brake Pads available, such as ceramic, semi-metallic, and low-metallic. Each type of pad has its own characteristics and performance, so be sure to use the type of pad recommended by the manufacturer or by a professional mechanic.
6. Check your Wheel Alignment: Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle’s Brakes to wear out faster. If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, or if your steering wheel is off-centre, you may need to have your wheels aligned.
7. Monitor your Brake wear: Make sure to regularly check the condition of your Brake Pads. If they appear to be worn down, or if they make strange noises, have them inspected by a professional as soon as possible.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your vehicle’s Brakes and ensure that they are always in good working condition. It is important to remember that Brake systems are critical for safety and it is a must to check them and any unusual noise or vibration should be addressed as soon as possible.

At Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre we have trained and experienced technicians who are experts at servicing and maintaining your vehicle’s Brakes. Our staff are friendly, helpful and are willing to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. We provide clear explanations of the work that needs to be done and the costs involved. What’s more we use high-quality parts and adhere to the correct repair procedures to ensure that the work we do is of the highest quality and we offer great value for money! 

If you have an issue with your Brakes call Cheltenham & Gloucester Autocentre today on 01452 855555. We’re here to help.

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