Birmingham

Birmingham is the second-most popular city in the UK, located in the Midlands with a population of over 4.3million.

Originally a market town in the medieval period, Birmingham is now an international commercial centre and an important transport, retail, events and conference hub.

A centre for culture, Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Birmingham has also played its part in sporting history; home to Aston Villa FC and Birmingham City FC, it was Birmingham resident and Aston Villa director William McGregor who founded the Football League.

Birmingham will also be the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, expected to take place in July and August 2022.

The most popular cars in Birmingham

Possibly due to the rise in industry and commerce, and its handy functionality in city traffic, the Mercedes A-Class is estimated to be the most popular car in Birmingham, according to data provided between 2012 to 2018 by ownership and postcode.

Close on its heels—and in order of popularity—are the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai and the Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Vehicle numbers in Birmingham

There are approximately 3 million licensed vehicles in the Birmingham area, with some of the most popular models including the Mini, Kia Sportage and the Ford Focus.

Fixter garages in Birmingham

There are a total of 49 Fixter garages in the Birmingham area, all ready and waiting to provide you with a fantastic quote for your car service, MOT and a wide range of vehicle repairs.

Fixter garages service the following postcodes and more, in and around the Birmingham area:

• B1, B2, B3 & B4: City Centre, Birmingham
• B6: Aston & Witton, Birmingham
• B10: Small Heath, Birmingham
• B15: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• B8: Washwood Heath, Birmingham
• B13: Moseley, Birmingham

How do front brake discs work?

The brake disc is a metal plate mounted on the wheel hub that is clamped between **2 brake pads **when braking is applied; this causes friction and slows the vehicle down.

How often should brake discs need replacing?

As a rough guide, your brake discs should last between 50k and 70k miles, but there are many variables that could affect this, including driver behaviour, the weight you carry and the speed you travel.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

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. Nearly 20% of MOT failures are caused by faulty brakes.

What happens when we replace your front brake discs?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect the brake system for signs of wear, damage and breakage.
• They will establish which brake discs need to be replaced and fit new ones as necessary.
• You will be advised if any of the brake pads need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the brake 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 malfunctioning brakes discs

Braking causes unusual noises

Loud screeching or grinding noises from your brakes is an indication that there is a problem with either your brake discs or pads.

When your car pulls to one side under braking

If only one brake is working correctly, it can cause your car to pull in the direction of the functioning brake.

The car vibrates under braking

Your brake pads or discs could be warped if the pedal vibrates when you press down on it.

The front brake disc shows signs of damage

Look through the wheel for a visual check—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 any of your dashboard warning lights are illuminated, the sensor that detects problems or worn out parts and components has identified an issue and activated the system.