What are Brake Discs and Brake Pads and how it works?

A Typical vehicle braking system consists of Brake Disc, brake calliper and a pair of brake pads for each wheel. Brake pads are fitted inside the calliper and hold onto both sides of the brake disc. Brake discs are an essential part of the braking system; they consist of metal rotors that are attached to the wheels of your vehicle that provide a surface for Brake Pads to squeeze onto and help to slow down and stop the car by way of friction. Similarly, Brake Pads are also an essential part of braking system; they consist of friction material attached to metal backing that is fitted to brake discs and is held in place by callipers.Once the foot brake is applied, callipers that hold brake pads come under pressure by a hydraulic system; hence brake pads are pushed against the brake disc which causes friction, and the whole process helps to slow down and stop the car quickly and safely.

 
What are the Signs of faulty brake discs and brake pads?

When your vehicle starts making abnormal sounds, feelings and smells its time to investigate the issue sooner than later to avoid further damage, here are some signs of faulty brake discs or brake pads.

• Screeching, grinding, squealing or rubbing sounds.
• Vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal.
• Further travel of brake pedal.
• Pungent burning smell near tyres.
• Brake warning light on the dash.
• Car pulls to one side when brakes are applied.
• Disc surface has grooves, spots or cracks.

What is a cost of replacing brake disc's and pads?

The cost of brake disc replacement depends on two factors first one is the make and model of the vehicle and secondly the quality of the parts you are selecting. On average the mid range cost of brake disc and pads replacement is between £180 to £550. if you want to find out the exact price of brake disc and pads replacement on your vehicle, please select your car make and model at the top of the page.

When should you consider replacing Brake Discs and Brake Pads?

Most vehicles are fitted with brake wear sensors to detect when its time to replace front or rear brakes pads and with help from above signs one can visually inspect and decide that its time to replace brake disc or pads on the vehicle. Brake pads usually are 4-5mm thick, and they can last upto35,000 miles or more depending on the quality of parts and brake usage.

Brake Discs are solid metal rotors that can withstand more pressure than a brake pad however life expectancy can differ from vehicle to vehicle; you should expect to replace brakes discs once you have covered anything between 30,000 – 55,000 miles. Front brakes discs can wear much quicker in some cases which could result in overheating and losing efficiency. It is better to replace Brake Disc and Brake Pads at the same time because worn brake pads could result in shortening the life of parts due to metal on metal grinding. Its good practice to replace brake pads when replacing brake discs as manufacturers always recommend it.

How to extend the lifetime of brake discs and brake pads?

 There are ways to increase the lifespan of your braking system by reducing pressure to make them last longer.

• Being aware of the traffic ahead, keeping your speed constant, anticipating braking situation can help in applying brakes steadily and gradually will likely to lengthen the parts life.
• Avoiding high-speed driving which results in sharp and excessive braking.
• Removing heavy items in the car that are not required can help prolong the life of brakes.
• Renewing brake fluid helps extend brake's life. 

Following are the statistics of Brake Discs Replacement on common vehicles in the united kingdom.