Recent servicing revealed that the front brake pads are almost on their way out and the front brake discs measure around 3mm which is just borderline to what's unacceptable I have been told.

Should I stick to the standard OEM pads/disc or are there any uprated brake pads/discs which won't squeal, spray brake dust on my alloys, prone to disk warp or wear out prematurely.

I have read through a lot of posts, but it's highly confusing to know which one is a clear choice. Some say Mintex is good, but most beg to differ. Some say EBC ones are good, but then not everyone agrees adding to the confusion.

Should I go for a DOT 5 brake fluid or is the standard DOT 4 good enough. Any particular brand of brake fluid? The garage is charging me £40 to replace the fluid. Is this reasonable?

Edited 4 October, 201015 yr by sushaan

Don't use DOT5. It is a silicone based fluid and will damage the seals. Use either super dot4, or dot 5.1

£40 is very reasonable for a brake fluid change. If you opt to have this done dont forget there are two bleed nipples on the master cylinder which most independant garages overlook.

£40 sounds a fair price for a brake fluid change,make sure the garage uses a preasure bleeder to replace the fluid,if they use the old 'pump the brake pedal method' they will damage the master cylinder.

£40 sounds a fair price for a brake fluid change,make sure the garage uses a preasure bleeder to replace the fluid,if they use the old 'pump the brake pedal method' they will damage the master cylinder.

Blimey, when I did my evening course at Beverley College last winter that was how I was shown to do it!!!

Blimey, when I did my evening course at Beverley College last winter that was how I was shown to do it!!!

You can do this one some cars but its well known that this damages the master cylinder seals on a octy(any vag car to be honest)i sometimes use the pump the pedal when replacing the fluid on our land rovers at work but they dont have complicated abs braking systems! best to buy a ezi bleed type bleeder for diy use.

Finally ordered a set of Pagid Brake discs and Pads from EuroCarParts.

Hope they live up to the expectations.

Will keep posted on how the brakes feel...

Finally ordered a set of Pagid Brake discs and Pads from EuroCarParts.

Hope they live up to the expectations.

Will keep posted on how the brakes feel...

£40 is very reasonable for a brake fluid change. If you opt to have this done dont forget there are two bleed nipples on the master cylinder which most independant garages overlook.

The bleed screws on the master cylinder (if fitted) are only used normally if you replace/remove the master cylinder or the system runs dry. There is no need or benefit from bleeding them for a regular fluid change.