Hi all,

I can't decide if I'm paranoid or my brakes really aren't as good as they were. I was thinking of trying out one of the free kwick fit / nationwide autocentre brake checks. Any recommendations? advice?

I have had brand new pads put on the rear this week and the front pads have only done 5,000 miles of motorway driving.

I have heard a simple check on part of the system is to pump and hold the p

brake pedal when I start the car. What does that test? How far should the brake pedal depress if I pump it a few times and hold it down when I start the car?

thanks

free check, my a$$ they will always find something wrong no matter what you have had done at the service.

The brake oil needs to be changed. Brake oil should be changed after every couple of years since it absorbs a lot of moisture and that fudges up the brakes.

They're expecting people who are worried about their brakes to get them "checked" for free. If you're worried they might not be right, then they'll tell you they're not They'll also boast about their free pads and shoes for life - which is conditional on them doing any other work they think is required when you take your car in for the free pads - go figure!

Pressing the brake pedal while the engine is not running repeatedly exhausts the brake assist vacuum servo. When you start the engine and the pedal sinks this shows the brake assist servo is working (applying extra effort when you press the pedal).

To check the pads get the wheels off. The jack supplied with your car should be sufficient. There's usually a "window" on the front of the caliper through which to see how much material there is left on the pad. Be careful not to confuse the back of the pad with the brake pad material. Check for uneven wear (one pad much thicker than the other). While you have the wheel off, also carefully, with a clean grease-free finger, feel from the centre of the brake disc to the outside. If there is a very very noticeable lip on the outside your discs may need replacing. They may also need replacing if they are very scored (you can feel deep lines in the disc surface) - some light scoring is usual. Also worthwhile to check while there for any obvious brake fluid leaks - although you should notice any brake fluid loss when regularly checking the level in the brake fluid reservoir (it is usual for this to go down slightly as your pads wear over time).

When driving the car, check that braking does not lead to the car pulling to one side, and that ABS doesn't kick in too soon. Also try braking on a level surface while coasting, take the speed down to very slow - but do not stop entirely - then release the brakes. If you noticeably slow further after this your brakes may be binding.

Also, if when braking you can feel vibrations in the steering wheel, this can point to issues.

There's also some useful stuff in PDF's on this link Autoshop101 - Automotive Technical Articles which gives a good general overview of braking systems.

The brake oil needs to be changed. Brake oil should be changed after every couple of years since it absorbs a lot of moisture and that fudges up the brakes.

We would call it brake fluid in the UK - but it's a good point. If the brake fluid hasn't been changed in a while and is looking noticeably dark, changing it can improve the brakes

I once bled the astra coupes brakes and nasty dirty brake fluid was coming out, bled it till the system ran clear. Went out and put the brakes on, just about broke my ribs with the seat belt.