St. Helens
St. Helens, located in the northwest of England, is a bustling city known for its industrial heritage and strong sense of community. With a population of approximately 180,000, it is a vibrant hub of activity.
The most popular cars in St. Helens
When it comes to car ownership in St. Helens, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. The Ford Focus takes the top spot as the most popular car in the city, favored by many St. Helens residents. Following closely behind are the Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta, and the Nissan Qashqai.
In addition to these popular choices, it is worth noting that St. Helens residents also show a preference for larger vehicles such as SUVs and crossovers. This could be attributed to the city's proximity to rural areas and the need for vehicles that can handle various terrains.
Vehicle numbers in St. Helens
St. Helens boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 120,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the importance of maintaining a well-functioning vehicle.
Postcodes and suburbs in St. Helens
St. Helens is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some notable areas include WA9 (Parr, Sutton, and Clock Face), WA10 (Thatto Heath, Eccleston, and Rainhill), WA11 (Haydock, Moss Bank, and Billinge), and WA12 (Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown, and Haydock). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of St. Helens.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of St. Helens residents, we understand the importance of providing reliable and efficient services to keep their 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 St. Helens' automotive landscape.
How do brake pads work?
To slow your car down or bring it to a stop, your brake pads are used to clamp down on either side of the brake discs attached to your rear wheels, to create friction and reduce speed.
How often should brake pads need replacing?
Symptoms of malfunctioning brakes
Your car doesn’t slow down or stop as well as usual
If you feel that your brakes don’t work as well as normal or they don’t seem to provide the normal level of performance, then your brake pads could be damaged or worn out.
You can hear a squeaking or grinding noise when you brake
Any unusual sounds coming from your brakes during their operation could be a sign that the brake pads are damaged or worn down to the base plate metal.
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 detected an issue and activated the system.
The brake pedal is in a lower position than usual
Any change of position in your brake pedal could be because of a problem with the brake pads, discs or brake fluid.
The car vibrates under braking
Excessive movement or vibration when braking could be due to problems with brake pad or disc positioning, or state of repair.
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.
What happens when we replace your brake pads?
Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will inspect the brake system for signs of wear, damage and breakage.
They will establish which brake pads need to be replaced and fit new ones as necessary.
You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
Once the brake pads have been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct operation of the new parts and make any adjustments required for premium performance.
What causes your brake pads to stop working correctly?
The main reason your brake pads will stop functioning correctly is usually down to general wear. Over time and constant use, the friction material on the surface of the brake pad will wear out.
It’s also possible that foreign objects thrown up from the road can become trapped in the braking system can cause damage to the brake pads. The failure of other brake system components could lead to the incorrect operation, jamming or failure of your brake callipers, causing excessive wear or damage to your brake pads.