Brighton
Brighton, situated on the south coast of England, is a vibrant city known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful seaside. With a population of approximately 290,000, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The most popular cars in Brighton
When it comes to car ownership in Brighton, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. The most popular car in the city is the Volkswagen Golf, favored by many Brighton residents for its reliability and stylish design. Following closely behind are the Ford Fiesta, BMW 3 Series, Mini Cooper, and Audi A3.
In addition to these popular choices, Brighton residents also show a preference for eco-friendly vehicles, with a significant number of hybrid and electric cars on the roads. This aligns with the city's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Vehicle numbers in Brighton
Brighton boasts a substantial number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 180,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Brighton
Brighton is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include BN1 (Brighton, Hove, and Preston Park), BN2 (Kemptown, Whitehawk, and Rottingdean), BN3 (Hove, Portslade, and Aldrington), and BN41 (Southwick, Fishersgate, and Shoreham-by-Sea). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Brighton.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Brighton residents, we understand the importance of providing top-quality services to keep their beloved vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's regular servicing, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Brighton's automotive scene.
What does a brake caliper do?
Brake calipers are an essential part of your car's braking system. The job of the caliper is to slow the car's wheels by creating friction with the rotors. The most common is floating caliper, but on some cars there are swinging and fixed calipers. It fits over the rotor like a clamp. Inside each caliper is a pair of metal plates bonded with the brake pads.
When the driver presses the brake pedal, the small brake cylinder piston compresses brake fluid in the master cylinder. Because the brake fluid doesn't compress, this force is instantly transmitted to the brake caliper, which clamps the spinning rotor, causing the wheel to slow and stop.
Though only comprising a few parts of your car, brake calipers are one of the most critical parts, enabling controlled braking in various situations. As they are a key safety component of your car, it’s important that your brake calipers are well maintained and fully functioning at all times. If you think there may be an issue with your calipers or braking system, it’s important to get things looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible.
How often should a brake caliper need replacing?
Brake calipers are usually very durable. On modern vehicles, it's not uncommon for calipers to last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.
It’s also important to keep in mind that bad brake calipers can cause excessive wear to the brake discs and pads, so having them repaired or replaced as soon as possible will be better for your wallet in the long-run.
What happens during a brake caliper replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the brakes and determine if there’s a problem with one or several of the brake calipers. They will also advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
They will then replace the brake caliper and other parts of the brake, if necessary.
Bleed the brake system and top up the brake fluid.
Test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.
Make any final, necessary adjustments.
What causes a brake caliper to break?
In general, brake pads and rotors wear out and need replacement far more often than calipers. Calipers tend to get damaged when a car is driven with worn-out brake pads or warped rotors. If these components are damaged it can cause the calipers to overheat, wear down or crack.
Calipers can also break if the rubber boot that protects the piston splits. Once this occurs, water and grit will seep into the pistons surface and cause pitting, which can lead to the piston getting stuck or damaged.
When should a brake caliper be replaced?
Brake calipers are pretty tough and durable. On modern cars, calipers should last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of a bad brake caliper?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
If your brake pedal feels softer (less resistance when applying the brakes).
If your car pulls to one side when braking.
If the level in your brake fluid reservoir drops or if you notice a leak. Brake hydraulic fluid is a very pale golden colour, transparent and almost watery.
If you notice brake fluid on the rims of your wheels.
If you receive an advisory note regarding brake imbalance.
How often should you replace your brake caliper?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.
It’s also important to keep in mind that bad brake calipers can cause excessive wear to the brake discs and pads, so having them repaired or replaced as soon as possible will be better for your wallet in the long-run.
What happens during a brake caliper replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the brakes and determine if there’s a problem with one or several of the brake calipers. They will also advise if other parts of the braking system need replacing too.
They will then replace the brake caliper and other parts of the brake, if necessary.
Bleed the brake system and top up the brake fluid.
Test drive the car and inspect the brake system again.
Make any final, necessary adjustments.
What is the average life of a brake caliper?
Generally, brake calipers are tough and durable. On modern vehicles, it's not uncommon for calipers to last at least 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, you should have your brakes inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Can you drive with a broken brake caliper?
No, you should not drive with a bad brake caliper. Driving with stuck, damaged or faulty brake calipers is very dangerous as it will impact the effectiveness of your braking, meaning your presence on the road is a danger to all other road users.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
The efficiency and balance of brakes is checked on MOT tests, therefore it's important that every component of your brake system is in good condition, including your brake calipers. Because your brakes are arguably the most crucial safety component in your car, your vehicle will fail its MOT if they are not functioning properly or are damaged.