02Service in detail
Brakes
Pads, discs and fluid for cars and vans of any make. We measure before we replace: if there’s life left, we’ll say so.
- Price
- from €45
- Time
- 1–2 h
- Ready
- Same day
Disc brake · exploded viewFig. 01
Part by part
What we check on a brake
- 01
Disc
Replaced if it’s below the manufacturer’s minimum thickness or warped.
- 02
Calliper
We clean it and grease the slide pins. If it seizes, the car pulls to one side.
- 03
Pads
They wear with use. The fronts don’t last as long, because they do more of the braking.
- 04
Hose and fluid
The fluid absorbs moisture over the years; most makes want it changed every two.
- 05
Wear sensor
On many cars it turns on a warning light when the pad reaches its minimum.
Prices
What it costs on your car
Parts and labour, VAT included. The range depends on the parts brand and the model; we give you a fixed price once we’ve seen it.
| Job | City car | Family car | SUV | Van | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front pads | €90–120 | €100–140 | €115–160 | €110–150 | 1 h |
| Front pads and discs | €190–260 | €215–300 | €245–340 | €235–325 | 1.5–2 h |
| Rear pads | €85–115 | €95–135 | €110–150 | €105–145 | 1 h |
| Rear pads and discs | €170–240 | €195–280 | €220–315 | €210–300 | 1.5–2 h |
| Brake fluid | €45–60 | €45–60 | €45–60 | €45–60 | 40 min |
Prices are a guide. If a wear sensor or a brake hose needs replacing, we tell you first.
Symptoms
When to get your brakes looked at
-
01
Squeal when you brake
A thin squeal is usually the pads’ wear warning. A metallic grinding means there’s nothing left of them.
-
02
Steering wheel shudders
If it shakes when you brake from speed, a disc is most likely warped.
-
03
Long, spongy pedal
If it goes down further than normal or feels soft, there may be air in the system or old fluid. Don’t leave it.
-
04
Pulls to one side
If the car pulls left or right under braking, a calliper may be sticking.
How we do it
Five steps, one morning
- 0115 min
Test and measure
A short drive, then we measure disc and pad thickness.
- 02—
We call you
With a fixed price. If the pads have life left, we say so and leave them.
- 031–2 h
Replacement
Pads, discs or whatever’s needed. We clean the calliper and grease the slide pins.
- 0415 min
Bleeding
If the system’s been opened, we bleed out the air and top the fluid up to the mark.
- 0510 min
Test and handover
Another spin on the road. We show you the old parts if you’d like to see them.
On a hybrid the pads last longer, but the discs rust if they don’t get used.
Regenerative braking does a good share of the work. That’s why on hybrids and EVs we check the discs too, even when the pads are fine.
How often do pads need changing?
It depends on the car and how you drive: in town they wear faster than on open roads. Best to measure them at every service and change them when they reach the minimum, not by mileage.
Do the discs need changing every time?
No. We measure them: if they’re above the manufacturer’s minimum thickness and not warped, they stay.
Why do new brakes squeal?
For the first few kilometres the pads bed in against the disc. If it carries on after that, pop in and we’ll take a look.
Do you do front and rear at the same time?
Only if they need it. The fronts usually wear first, because they do more of the braking.
How long do I need to leave the car?
A set of pads, about an hour. Pads and discs on one axle, an hour and a half to two. You nearly always get it back the same day.
And why change the brake fluid?
Over time it absorbs moisture and the brakes work less well, especially on long descents. Most manufacturers want it changed every two years.
