Brakes

Here at Moorfield German Motors we have all the replacement brake parts and accessories you need. Whether you need a new set of brake discs or need to top up your brake fluid we have what you need. 

• Brake Pads - One of the most critical safety components in any vehicle. It’s imperative that they’re changed once you start to experience any tell-tale signs of wear. Look to replace between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. 
• Brake Discs - Built from durable cast iron or Carbon Ceramic on high end performance cars, to withstand the high temperature ranges they’re subjected to. Due to the aggressive wear conditions and corrosion on Iron discs they should generally be replaced every 30,000-80,000 miles 
• Brake Calipers - An essential hydraulic component that forces your vehicle’s brake pads against the brake discs to slow or stop it. Tell tale signs they need replacing include a burning smell, a ‘spongy’ brake pedal or fluid leaks. 
• Brake Kits - Containing essential components to replace or upgrade your vehicle’s braking system, our brake kits are a one-stop shop to improve or enhance your vehicle’s braking system.
• Brake Lines - Transferring the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes via the delivery of pressurised brake fluid, brake lines are a crucial part of any vehicle’s braking system. Upgrading to Braided Brake Lines can improve the pedal response.
• Brake Fluid - A vital component that ensures your brakes can be relied upon each and every time. Brake fluid should be replaced every 2-3 years to avoid moisture contamination which can cause system failure. Under heavy braking situations the brake fluid is put under extreme heat conditions, with this in mind higher boiling points are seen in quality racing fluids.
• Brake Pad Wear Indicators - Otherwise known as ‘squealers’, brake pad wear indicators help drivers know their brake pads need replacing by squeaking against your rotors when your pads have become worn. 

Most manufacturers advise that brake pads generally last somewhere between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, which is a rather wide timeframe. That’s because there are a variety of factors that can influence this number. 

1. Brake Pad Material - Organic brake pads are certainly the most affordable, but are more often than not less durable than other brake materials. Metallic brake pads tend to last longer than organic brake pads but on the flip side can wear down brake discs quicker.
   
   Whilst Ceramic brake pads offer superior braking performance and are often fitted to high end sports cars. As you can imagine, these are also the most expensive brake pads, but their performance is unrivalled. Always make sure your Ceramic pads are specific to Steel/Cast Iron Disc materials and not Carbon/Ceramic.
2. The Type Of Journeys - It’ll probably come to no surprise that the more often you drive your vehicle, the faster you can expect your brake pads to wear down. But it’s not just the distance or frequency that affects this, but also the types of roads you drive on. 
   
   If the majority of your journeys are on motorways you can probably expect your brake pads to last longer as you’ll be braking less frequently. But if you often take city trips or shorter journeys with a lot of stopping and starting, you can expect your brake pads to sustain more ‘damage’. 
3. Your Driving Style - Your driving style can also affect the lifespan of your brake pads. If you tend to be more heavy-footed on your brake pedals and brake suddenly more often, then you can expect to wear your brake pads down quicker than someone who is a more cautious driver who tends to lower their speed ahead of time. 
4. Your Car Type - Understandably, brake pads in higher performance sports cars also don’t last as long as ‘regular’ vehicles. They’re subjected to much higher forces and as such, wear down much quicker. They usually last around 15,000 to 35,000 miles for ‘usual’ road use which can be reduced massively to just a few race days for cars used on the racetrack.
5. The Weight Of Your Vehicle - If your vehicle is heavier or you frequently travel with more people in your car, you can also expect your brake pads to wear out quicker. Heavier vehicles require a greater clamping force from the brake calipers to slow down the vehicle and bring it to a stop. In turn this generates heat and increases the temperature which accelerates the breakdown of the brake pad material.

So as you can see, there’s plenty of factors that influence how long your brake pads last, but if you’re seeing some of the tell-tale signs such as high pitched screeching, reduced responsiveness and longer stopping distances it’s time to investigate further and potentially replace them. 

As a general rule brake discs tend to last anywhere between 30,000 to 80,000 miles or more, but again, much like brake pads, there are a range of variables that can extend or reduce the life of your brake disc. However, brake discs do tend to last longer than brake pads. Fronts typically can see two sets of brake pads in a lifetime where rears potentially see three sets due to brake bias.

1. Driving Habits - Much like with brake pads, harsher braking, more frequent braking and habits such as resting your foot on your brake pedal whilst the vehicle’s going down a hill can all contribute to quicker brake disc wear.
   
   These actions not only wear down the material on your brake pads but the friction also erodes away the thickness of the brake discs too.
2. The Environment - As brake discs are made from high-carbon cast iron and are exposed to some degree, environmental factors can also have an effect on their lifespan. They’re susceptible to rust and high humidity, rain and snow can all rapidly increase the process of oxidation. Over time this can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle’s braking.
3. Regular Maintenance - It’s important to regularly check in on the condition of your brake pads and discs. If your brake pads are worn down, they will cause premature and increased damage to your brake discs, vastly reducing their lifespan. 
4. Vehicle Weight & Type - Heavier vehicles and performance cars both put more stress on your vehicle’s brakes for different reasons. But both increase forward momentum and as such require much more force to slow them down. This increased force, up’s the friction, which in turn speeds up the degradation of the brake discs.

There are a variety of reasons why your brakes may be making a squeaking noise, from the harmless to more pressing reasons. 

1. Worn Down Brake Pads - The most serious reason why your brakes may be squeaking is because the brake pads have worn down to a dangerous level. To alert drivers that the pads have worn thin and need replacing, brake pads often have metal wear indicators that create this squeaking noise. So if you hear a persistent squeaking noise, it may be time to get your brakes checked.
2. Dirty Brakes - All sorts of dirt, grime, rust and even debris can accumulate in your brakes over time and if you’ve left your car standing for a while, a layer of corrosion can build up on your brakes too. If this is the case, you may well hear squeaking or a grinding sound as the dirt, rust or debris catches on your braking components. 
3. Glazing - Sports cars are also susceptible to something called ‘glazed brakes’, which can occur if you frequently apply your brakes excessively. The repetitive friction creates excessive heat which can create a smooth, hard glaze across the surface of your brake pads and discs. This can also happen in cars where the driver rides the brakes a lot. 
4. Vehicle Weight & Type - Heavier vehicles and performance cars both put more stress on your vehicle’s brakes for different reasons. But both increase forward momentum and as such require much more force to slow them down. This increased force, up’s the friction, which in turn speeds up the degradation of the brake discs.
5. Weather Conditions - Over time your brakes will accumulate a thin layer of rust, especially during cold and wet conditions. This can and often is burnt off quickly whilst driving, but it can cause your brake pads to wear over time. This layer can even develop overnight whilst your car’s stationary as the moisture in the air causes a light layer of rust. Again, this is often cleaned off whilst driving and after you’ve used your brakes a few times the squeaking should stop.

Brake fluid is essential for ensuring your brakes work correctly on your vehicle. The brake fluid transfers the force that’s applied when you press your brake pedal to your brake calipers or wheel cylinders which then applies the brakes to slow down the vehicle. 

Brake fluid should be checked Annually for moisture content. Brake fluid is "hygroscopic," meaning it acts like a sponge for moisture. We check this as part of every service with a piece of equipment which tells us the percentage of moisture in the fluid. If the moisture content is over 3%, it is a safety priority. Because, even though your brake system is ‘sealed,’ moisture microscopically permeates through rubber hoses and seals over time.

Most UK manufacturers (Vauxhall, Ford, BMW, VW group) specify a 2-year or 24,000-mile interval.

• The "Damp" Factor: Because the UK has a relatively humid, wet climate, brake fluid tends to absorb moisture slightly faster than in arid regions.
• The MOT Connection: While a standard MOT test checks your brake performance (on the rollers) and fluid levels, it does not usually test the moisture content of the fluid. You could pass an MOT with 10-year-old fluid as long as the car stops effectively on the day, but that fluid could still fail you on a long descent.

For this reason, it’s important to ensure that you regularly check and change your brake fluid level. We recommend that you check it every three months to make sure there is enough fluid, and change it completely every 24 months. Let’s break down exactly what’s required when checking your brake fluid and topping it up: 

Step 1: Locate The Brake Fluid Reservoir

The first step is to locate the brake fluid reservoir under the car’s bonnet, located to the back of the engine compartment. It’s usually in a white container, the cap is Black or Yellow and the fluid itself is a pale yellow shade. If you’re unsure what yours would look like, double check in your vehicle’s handbook. 

Before you start checking the levels of your brake fluid, we recommend that you park your car on a flat surface to get an accurate reading. 

Step 2: Check The Levels

On the reservoir, you’ll see minimum and maximum markers. If the fluid is under the minimum marker, it’s essential for it to be topped up for it to perform safely. 

Step 3: Carefully Add The New Brake Fluid 

We recommend that you start by removing the fluid cap and cleaning it so no debris gets inside. This is important since any dust or debris can clog your brakes, reduce their performance and even damage other internal car parts, so it’s a good idea to just remove any of the dust accumulated inside the cap. Once you’ve completed this part, carefully add the new brake fluid until it reaches the maximum mark. Screw the cap back on, and double check that no dirt has fallen into the reservoir. 

If you’ve noticed that there is a lot of dirt in the brake fluid reservoir, get in contact with us and we’ll be able to carry out a complete brake fluid change for you. It’s worth it to ensure that everything is running smoothly and your brakes are less prone to damage.

Step 4: Drive Your Vehicle A Short Distance 

A good way to test that your new top-up is working is by driving a short distance. After this, check the fluid levels again to see if there’s been any drainage. 

If you’ve just topped up your brake fluid reservoir and noticed that it’s rapidly depleted, it could mean that there’s a leakage in your braking system. We can help you fix this issue if you contact us / call us on 0113 250 8333 to book in for a service appointment.