St Albans
St Albans, located in Hertfordshire, is a charming city known for its historical significance and picturesque surroundings. With a population of approximately 60,000, it is a thriving community that values its automotive heritage.
The most popular cars in St Albans
When it comes to car ownership in St Albans, the data collected reveals some interesting insights. Topping the list as the most popular car in the city is the Volkswagen Golf, a favorite among St Albans residents. Following closely behind are the Ford Fiesta, BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, and the Mercedes A-Class.
In addition to the aforementioned information, it is worth noting that St Albans residents have a penchant for luxury and performance vehicles. The city's affluent nature is reflected in the preference for high-end cars that offer both style and substance.
Vehicle numbers in St Albans
St Albans boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 40,000 cars registered in the city. This high number reflects the city's reliance on private transportation and the need for efficient and reliable car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in St Albans
St Albans is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the notable areas include AL1 (City Centre, St Stephens, and St Julians), AL2 (Chiswell Green, Colney Heath, and London Colney), AL3 (Jersey Farm, Marshalswick, and Sandridge), and AL4 (Oaklands, Smallford, and Tyttenhanger). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the rich automotive landscape of St Albans.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of St Albans 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 St Albans' automotive landscape.
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.
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.