brake discs and pads replacement

What are brake discs?

Brake discs are rotating metal plates mounted on the wheel hub of your car. They are a vital part of your car's braking system.

How do brake discs work?

When you hit the brake pedal in your car, brake pads clamp down on the brake disc which causes friction and slows the vehicle down.

How often do brake discs need to be replaced?

As a rough guide, brake disc replacements are usually needed when the car has done between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, there are many variables that could affect this, including driver behaviour, the weight you carry and the speed you travel.

Similarly, your brake pads need replacing between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, which is why brake pads and discs replacement usually happens at the same time. Replacing both your brake pads and discs at the same time reduces the cost as it's easier for a mechanic to replace both while they already have your car's brakes apart. If you only need new brake pads, check out this page on just brake pads replacement instead.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Nearly 20% of MOT failures are caused by faulty brakes. Incorrect brake function, damaged or excessively worn discs or pads are considered unsafe for your vehicle performance and will cause your car to fail its MOT.

What happens when we replace your front brake discs and pads?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect the brake system for signs of wear, damage and breakage.

• They will establish when brake discs need to be replaced and fit new ones as necessary. They'll also check whether your brake pads need replacing.

• You will be advised if any of the brake discs or pads need to be replaced, and what the brake pad or brake disc replacement cost will be, before any work takes place.

• Once the brake pads and/or discs have been replaced, our mechanics will test them thoroughly to ensure the correct operation of the new parts, and make any adjustments required for premium performance.

What causes brake discs to stop working correctly?

Brake discs wear out over time from continual use. The friction applied by the brake pads, and the intense heat generated, will eventually deform the disc, causing it to become thinner and less effective when performing its job.

Extended use can also cause brake discs to crack, rendering them ineffective. Scars and rust on the disc can be caused by debris thrown from the road and poor weather conditions; this is also effective in reducing the operation of your brake discs.

Symptoms of bad brake discs and pads

How do you know when your brake discs need replacing? Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of bad brake discs and pads:

Noise when braking

A loud screeching, grinding, or grating noise when braking is an indication that there is a problem with either your brake discs or pads. Beware though, a banging or knocking noise when braking usually relates to some other issue with the brake system, suspension, or a loose wheel. If you're not sure, take our diagnostic car quiz to determine the issue first, before booking a repair.

Car pulling to one side when braking

if you've noticed your car pull to one side when braking, this can indicate an issue with the brakes like uneven brake pad and disc wear.

Car vibrating when braking

Your brake pads or discs could be warped if the car vibrates when braking. This is a clear sign that it's time for a brake discs and pads replacement.

The brake disc shows signs of damage

Look through the wheel and check your brake visually. if the disc’s surface isn’t smooth, or it displays cracks, grooves, spots or a blue colourisation, then the disc is quite likely damaged.

Your brake warning light on the dashboard is illuminated

If the brake warning light on your dashboard is illuminated, the sensor that detects problems or worn out parts and components has identified an issue and activated the system. This might not necessarily be your brake pads and discs as it could be a different component of the brake system. So, if you're not sure, take our diagnostic car quiz to determine the issue first, before booking a repair.

How much does a brake discs and pads replacement cost?

A typical brake discs and pads replacement cost in the UK is around £65 - £221. However this is massively dependent on many factors like your car make and model, location, whether they're front or rear brakes, and whether you have an electronic parking brake. Use our tool (at the top of this page) to get an instant quote for your exact car and location to know exactly how much to change your brake pads and discs.

Fixter's mission is to make car maintenance more transparent, and as easy as ordering a takeaway so we'll even collect your car, take it to one of our vetted garages and return it back to your doorstep. Plus, you get a 12-month warranty on all parts and labour to give you extra peace of mind.