What is included in a car brake check?

Each key brake component will be inspected by our highly experienced mechanics. They will visually check the thickness of your brake pads, and the condition of your calipers and brake discs. Depending on the condition of these parts they can then advise whether or not they think a replacement is needed.

DS

DS is the premium automobile marque of the Groupe PSA. First announced in 2009 by Citroën as its premium sub-brand; it was suggested to be an abbreviation of different spirit or distinctive series. However, in French, the name is considered a play on words, as the translation of déesse becomes goddess in English.

How popular is DS in the United Kingdom?

As a newcomer to the UK market in its own right, there were around 35k DS cars on the roads in the UK by the end of 2018. Whether those figures will continue to rise at the same rate shown since their introduction in 2015, only time will tell.

Looking to provide a standalone marque to initially compete with brands such as Volkswagen and Audi, PSA decided that neither Citroën nor Peugeot would be able to carry the brand strength that would be able to make a serious threat in the market with an elevated price-point at the level of quality and luxury they set out to achieve.

DS: Establishing a new range of upmarket models

To compete with the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, DS introduced a range of hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs but it’s undoubtedly their supermini city car that is proving the most popular.

The DS3, sold as a 3-door hatchback or a convertible, is available in countless customisation options and also as the subcompact luxury crossover SUV DS3 Crossback. The DS3 was voted Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine, and first place supermini four times in a row in the JD Power Satisfaction UK Survey.

DS: Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just a one trick pony

At the other end of the range you’ll find the DS7 Crossback. Here’s a large SUV designed to compete directly with the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC; that’s quite a jump for a car that’s built by Citroën.

The models that you’ll find between the DS3 and the DS7 are created with the same style for the market in mind. The DS4, a mixture of hatchback and SUV, and the DS5, a bigger hatchback priced and pitched against the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class saloons.

What do brakes do?

Brakes are arguably the most critical safety component in your vehicle. Your brake pads apply friction through pressure to your brake discs, to slow your car down or stop it. Your brake pads are fitted to callipers, located either side of the brake disc, that come together to press against the disc when you apply the brake pedal.

Can I drive with worn out brake pads?

Driving with worn or failing brakes is very dangerous. If you continue to drive with worn-out pads or damaged discs, your braking performance will deteriorate further. Worn out brake pads should be replaced immediately. A visual check will confirm if the pads need replacing, or when a sensor triggers a dashboard warning light.

How do I know if my brakes need replacing?

Some common signs that your brakes may need replacing are:

• You hear unusual noises, such as squeaking or grinding, when braking

• Your vehicle pulls to one side when braking

• You feel vibrations or shudders when braking

• Your brakes feel hard or spongy when applying pressure

• There is additional slack in the handbrake or difficulty removing handbrake

• The brake warning light is illuminated

Why should I book a brake check?

To ensure your car remains safe and roadworthy, it is important to have your brakes looked at every six months for signs of wear. Depending on the quality of your brake parts, how often you drive your car and your driving style you may find that your brake pads wear out quicker than you might think.

Our top-rated mechanics will visually inspect your brake system for signs of extreme wear, damage or corrosion. They’ll then give their expert opinion on the condition of your brakes and advice on when they should be replaced.

How long do brakes last?

The lifespan of brake pads can vary but they should usually last between 20,000 and 60,000 miles. Rear brake pads tend to last longer than the front pair because most cars are front wheel drive, so the front brake pads work harder to help slow your car down. Your driving style and the quality of the parts will affect the lifespan of your brakes.

Brakes are arguably the most important safety feature your car has so we recommend having them checked by a professional every six months. So if you can’t remember the last time you had them looked at, schedule a free check now!

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.

How to make my brake pads last longer?

Try avoiding driving at high speeds so that you're less likely to need to brake quickly and heavily, which puts extra pressure on the brakes.

Anticipate traffic and hazards ahead so you can brake steadily and gradually. Heavy loads also put stress on brake pads – don't carry unnecessary weight.