West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire, located in the county of Oxfordshire, is a picturesque region known for its charming villages and stunning countryside. With a population of approximately 110,000, it is a thriving area that offers a mix of rural tranquility and modern amenities.
The most popular cars in West Oxfordshire
When it comes to car ownership in West Oxfordshire, the data collected reveals some interesting trends. Topping the list as the most popular car in the region is the Ford Focus, a reliable and versatile choice for residents. Following closely behind are the Volkswagen Golf, BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, and the Nissan Qashqai.
In addition to these popular models, it is worth noting that West Oxfordshire residents also show a preference for eco-friendly vehicles, with a growing number of hybrid and electric cars on the roads. This reflects the region's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Vehicle numbers in West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 80,000 cars registered in the region. This high number reflects the reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in West Oxfordshire
West Oxfordshire is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include OX18 (Carterton, Clanfield, and Brize Norton), OX28 (Witney), OX29 (Eynsham, North Leigh, and Long Hanborough), and OX7 (Chipping Norton, Charlbury, and Enstone). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of West Oxfordshire.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of West Oxfordshire residents, we understand the importance of providing top-notch services to keep their beloved vehicles in optimal condition. Whether it's routine maintenance, MOT testing, or repairs, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of West Oxfordshire's automotive landscape.
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.