VEHICLE BRAKE CHECK AND REPLACEMENT IN DOVER AND KENT

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BRAKES FOR CARS, VANS, HGVs AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN KENT

If you are concerned about the performance of your brakes or would like them checked before going on a long journey, please contact our friendly staff at EKR Commercials. Once booked in, one of our expert brake technicians will provide a commercial brake and smoke test. After the test, we will provide you with a written brake report and a quote for any work which is required.

DO I NEED A BRAKE INSPECTION?

There are a number of ways of telling that your brakes need checking.
This is normally when brake pads are heavily worn, this can result in a grinding noise as the brake pad has worn down to the brake capliers. This will likely damage the brake disc with grinding the brake disc(s).
It could suggest the brake caliper has stuck and the brakes pad remains partially applied to the disc but some pads have wear indicators that squeal when worn to let the driver know the brakes need changing.
If a brake warning light appears on your instrument panel either continuously or when you apply the brakes it usually means the brake fluid level is critically low. This could also indicate a leak in the brake hoses.
If your car pulls to the left or right when you apply the brakes this is usually indicates sticking of hydraulic or mechanical component such as a seized caliper.
The brake pedal feels spongy and the brakes seem unresponsive. This is a sign that air has entered the brakes lines and is preventing the brake fluid from flowing through this system effectively.
If the handbrake is pulling up higher than it normally does it may need adjusting. In modern cars, this is usually anything more than 6 to 8 clicks. If the handbrake lever reaches the end of its travel it will fail the MOT.
If your brake fluid is over 2 years old it may be losing its effectiveness, this is normally because it absorbs moisture over time and affecting its braking ability. Brake fluid should be changed approximately every two years but check your manufacturers handbook.
If the brake pedal is limp and goes all the way to the floor, this indicates a serious braking system fault which you should have inspected immediately. A brake pedal that is soft and can be applied all the way to the floor usually means the brake fluid need replacing but there can be several other potential reasons such as a master cylinder fault.
If you feel a continuous pulsating/juddering from the brake pedal whenever you apply the brakes, this indicates the brake disc has become warped due to excessive heat. Pulsation/juddering occurs because the brake disc is distorted and no longer provides a perfectly flat surface when the brake pad makes contact. If this only occurs when you apply the brakes firmly, it could just be the ABS kicking in but you should have this checked out if you are concerned.

YOUR BRAKE CHECK AT EKR COMMERCIALS

Regular brake checks are an important part of any HGV or commercial vehicle preventative maintenance plan. Brake checks can identify a problem before it begins to impact your braking efficiency, thus providing an opportunity to restore the effectiveness of your vehicle’s braking system to its intended operating performance.
At EKR Commercials in Kent, we know how important the regular inspection and maintenance of your brakes can be to ensure your brakes continue to work effectively.
Our technicians are fully trained and committed to maintaining your brakes in a transparent manner.

WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR BRAKES

Knowing when to replace your brakes is crucial for safety, compliance, and avoiding costly roadside breakdowns. At EKR Commercials in Kent, we recommend regular brake inspections to identify wear before it becomes dangerous. Key warning signs include squealing or grinding noises during braking, increased stopping distances, vibration through the brake pedal, or visible wear on brake pads and discs. Brake components typically need replacement when pad thickness falls below 3mm, discs show significant scoring or warping, or brake fluid appears contaminated or low.
Don’t wait for your annual MOT to discover brake problems – our experienced technicians can assess your brake system condition and recommend timely replacements to keep your commercial vehicle or fleet safe, legal, and operational. Regular brake maintenance not only protects your drivers and other road users but also prevents more expensive repairs caused by component failure and ensures your vehicles remain DVSA compliant.