09/09/2020
When you're out on the open road, the ability to stop safely and efficiently is paramount. Your vehicle's braking system is arguably its most critical safety feature, working tirelessly to bring you to a halt, whether it's a routine stop or an emergency manoeuvre. Neglecting your brakes isn't just a risk to your wallet; it's a direct threat to your safety and that of others. Understanding how your braking system works and knowing when it needs professional attention is key to maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle.
At IN'n'OUT Autocentres, we understand the complexities of modern braking systems and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to keep your vehicle performing optimally. Our trained and AA-certified technicians are equipped to handle nearly every make and model, ensuring peace of mind on every journey.
The Anatomy of Your Braking System: What IN'n'OUT Services
Your vehicle's braking system is a marvel of engineering, comprising several interconnected components that work in harmony to slow and stop your car. When you press the brake pedal, a complex hydraulic process is initiated, transmitting force to the wheels. IN'n'OUT Autocentres provides expert service for all crucial parts of this system, ensuring every component is in prime condition.
Disc Brakes and Components
Modern vehicles predominantly use disc brakes on the front wheels, and often on all four. This system relies on a rotating disc, known as a rotor, and a caliper assembly that clamps down on it. Here's what we service:
- Disc Brakes: The overall system, ensuring smooth operation and effective stopping power.
- Calipers: These are the components that house the brake pads and apply pressure to them against the rotors. We inspect, service, and replace calipers to ensure proper function and even pressure distribution.
- Rotors (Brake Discs): These are the large, circular metal discs that the brake pads clamp onto. Over time, rotors can become worn, warped, or grooved, reducing braking efficiency. We can inspect, machine (if appropriate), or replace rotors to restore optimal performance. We are partnered with Pagid brakes to supply OEM quality brake discs, and can also source and fit any specific make or type you require, often on the same day.
Drums and Brake Pads
While disc brakes are common, many vehicles, especially on the rear axle, still utilise drum brakes. Both systems rely heavily on friction materials to achieve deceleration.
- Drums: In a drum brake system, shoes press outwards against the inside of a rotating drum. We service and replace drum brake components to ensure they function correctly.
- Brake Pads: These are the friction materials that press against the rotors (in disc brakes) or the shoes that press against the drums (in drum brakes). They are designed to wear down over time and require regular replacement. Worn brake pads can lead to reduced braking performance, increased stopping distances, and even damage to other components like rotors. Our technicians can expertly assess and replace your brake pads with high-quality parts, including OEM Pagid pads.
The Unsung Hero: Brake Fluid and Its Critical Role
Often overlooked, brake fluid is the lifeblood of your hydraulic braking system. It's a non-compressible fluid that transmits the force you apply to the brake pedal directly to the calipers or wheel cylinders, slowing your vehicle down. But its role doesn't stop there.
What is Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a specific type of hydraulic liquid, typically glycol-ether or silicone-based, designed with an exceptionally high boiling point. This high boiling point is crucial because the act of braking generates intense heat, especially during prolonged or heavy braking, such as descending a steep hill. If the brake fluid boils, it can create vapour bubbles in the system, leading to a spongy pedal feel and a significant loss of braking power, a dangerous condition known as 'brake fade'.
Why Does Brake Fluid Need Changing?
Over time, even the best brake fluid can degrade. Its primary enemy is moisture. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, even through microscopic pores in brake hoses. This absorbed moisture lowers the fluid's boiling point. Additionally, contaminants can build up in the fluid, further compromising its performance. When the boiling point drops too low, the fluid becomes less effective, increasing your stopping distance and reducing overall safety.
Beyond its hydraulic function, brake fluid also acts as a lubricant for the moving parts within the braking system and helps to prevent corrosion of crucial metal components. Replacing the fluid regularly ensures these protective properties remain effective, safeguarding the longevity of your entire braking system.
During a service at IN'n'OUT Autocentres, our technicians will check and report on the boiling point and moisture levels of your hydraulic brake fluid. We will advise if a change is required based on these findings and your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. If a change is needed, we replace the system's hydraulic fluid with one that meets or exceeds your vehicle's specific requirements.
When to Inspect Your Brakes: The IN'n'OUT Recommendation
Regular brake checks are an essential part of any preventative vehicle maintenance plan. They allow potential problems to be identified and addressed before they escalate into serious safety issues or costly repairs. At IN'n'OUT Autocentres, we recommend a thorough brake inspection every 12,000 miles or at least once a year, whichever comes first.
What to Expect During Your Brake Inspection
When you bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection at IN'n'OUT Autocentres, a trained technician will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your entire braking system. This includes a close examination of:
- Brake Pads and Shoes for wear levels.
- Rotors and Drums for signs of wear, warping, or scoring.
- Calipers for proper operation, leaks, and seizing.
- Brake hoses and lines for cracks, leaks, or bulges.
- The condition and level of your brake fluid.
- Other key components that impact system performance.
Following the inspection, you will receive a written evaluation of the findings. Our recommendations will be based on your vehicle manufacturer's specifications and the current condition of your brake components, ensuring you have clear, actionable advice to maintain your vehicle's safety.
Comprehensive Brake Services at IN'n'OUT Autocentres
Our AA certified garages offer a full suite of brake services designed to cater to all your needs. Whether it's a routine check or a full component replacement, you can trust our expert technicians.
Brake Service Overview
| Service Type | Description | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Inspection & Diagnosis | Thorough check of all brake components, written evaluation. | Early problem detection, enhanced safety. |
| Brake Pad Replacement | Replacement of worn friction material with quality new pads. | Restores stopping power, prevents disc damage. |
| Brake Disc (Rotor) Replacement | Replacement of worn or damaged brake discs. | Ensures even braking, reduces vibrations. |
| Brake Caliper Servicing/Replacement | Inspection and repair/replacement of brake calipers. | Ensures even brake pressure, prevents sticking brakes. |
| Brake Drum & Shoe Service | Inspection and replacement of drum brake components. | Maintains effective rear braking for vehicles with drums. |
| Brake Fluid Change | Replacement of old, contaminated brake fluid. | Maintains high boiling point, prevents corrosion, ensures consistent pedal feel. |
Brake Fluid Change: Pricing and Booking
A vital service for brake longevity and performance, our brake fluid change is competitively priced. Currently, a brake fluid change is £50*, subject to a £3 environmental charge. However, if you book online, you can secure this essential service for just £39.95! We can service all makes and models of cars, ensuring your brake fluid meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications.
We pride ourselves on our ability to source any particular brake disc or pad make you prefer. If you've sourced specialist discs yourself, our technicians can fit them to your vehicle, ensuring a perfect installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brakes
How long do brake pads last?
The lifespan of brake pads varies significantly depending on several factors, including your driving style (e.g., heavy city driving with frequent stops will wear them out faster than motorway driving), the type of vehicle, and the quality of the pads themselves. While there's no fixed mileage, regular brake checks, as recommended every 12,000 miles or annually, are the best way to monitor their wear and determine when replacement is needed. Our technicians can advise you on the remaining life of your pads during your inspection.
What is a brake fluid change?
A brake fluid change involves draining the old, contaminated brake fluid from your vehicle's braking system and replacing it with fresh, new fluid that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications. This process removes moisture and contaminants that have accumulated over time, restoring the fluid's high boiling point and ensuring optimal braking performance and component protection. It's a crucial part of preventative maintenance that helps prevent brake fade and prolongs the life of your brake system components.
Why is brake fluid important?
Brake fluid is important for several reasons. Firstly, as a hydraulic liquid, it transmits the force from your brake pedal to the wheels, allowing your vehicle to slow down and stop. Secondly, it acts as a lubricant within the braking system, reducing wear on moving parts. Thirdly, it contains corrosion inhibitors that protect crucial metal components from rust and degradation. Finally, its high boiling point ensures that the fluid remains effective even under the intense heat generated during braking, preventing dangerous brake fade.
When should I get my brakes inspected?
It is recommended to inspect your brakes every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you notice any signs of brake trouble, such as squealing, grinding, a spongy pedal, pulling to one side when braking, or a vibrating steering wheel during braking, you should have them inspected immediately, regardless of the last service date.
Your Safety is Our Priority
At IN'n'OUT Autocentres, your safety is our utmost concern. We provide transparent, honest advice and high-quality brake services using OEM parts where possible, like our partnership with Pagid brakes. Don't wait for a problem to arise; be proactive with your brake maintenance. You can easily book a free brake inspection and diagnosis online with no obligation to purchase, or simply download our voucher and pop in. For a brake fluid change, visit our booking page and select additional services to secure your appointment for just £39.95.
Trust the experts at IN'n'OUT Autocentres to keep your vehicle's braking system in peak condition, ensuring your peace of mind on every journey across the UK.
If you want to read more articles similar to Keeping Your Brakes Tip-Top: An IN'n'OUT Guide, you can visit the Brakes category.