What's stopping you?

The braking system of your car is a key feature - brakes are the sole component that enable you to quickly slow down or stop your car.  Your car's breaking system has to be able to endure enormous forces, pressures and trains put on it day-in-day-out.  

What is the tell-tale signs that there is a problem with my brakes?

• You have to press hard on the brake pedal (pedal is stiff): this may be a problem with the assisted braking system.
• The car pulls to the left or the right when you brake: it may be that a brake calliper has seized or that a tyre is under inflated.  The brakes lock up even when the brakes are applied gently: this may be a problem with the brake discs.
• Braking is soft, the pedal is spongy or you have to pump the brakes to stop: this is a problem with the hydraulics.
• The brake pedal, steering wheel and sometimes the car vibrates when braking: the brake discs are faulty or there is loose or excessive play in the suspension.

What are the right brakes for my car?

• Compatibility of brake pads and brake discs is vital – if the compound of the brake pads is too hard, this can cause increased wear of the brake discs – and if the compound is too soft, then the brake pads can prematurely wear.  Both brake pads on the same axle should be replaced at the same time to avoid unequal braking.
• Whenever your brakes are checked, the brake discs should also be checked.  If they are deeply scored, glazed, cracked or rusty, they should be replaced.  As with brake pads, both discs  on the same axle should be replaced to avoid unequal braking.