Squealing or grinding when you brake.
A light squeal after rain can come from surface rust on the discs and often fades after a few stops. Harsh grinding is different. It usually points to worn friction material, so don't leave it for weeks.
Vehicle services / Brake repairs
Peterborough MOT Station carries out brake repairs in Peterborough for cars and vans at our workshop on Saville Road. Tell us what the brakes are doing and we'll look for the cause before talking the repair through with you.
Your local workshopSaville Road
All brake work at our workshop: Unit 4, Saville Road, Peterborough, PE3 7PR
Brake work in Peterborough
Get a change in braking looked at early.
Most brake faults give some warning first.
Brakes wear gradually, so it's easy to get used to a softer pedal or an occasional noise, and we inspect cars and vans and explain what we find. Our brake work includes pads and discs and the relevant hydraulic components.
Some symptoms feel like brake faults but start elsewhere. A pull to one side can come from worn suspension or uneven tyre pressures, and a dashboard light may need a fault code reading first. So we'd rather inspect the car than guess at a part over the phone.
Read about our wider car repairs
Warning signs
Signs your brakes need attention.
Note when the symptom happens. It helps us decide where to start.
A soft, low or spongy pedal.
If the pedal travels further than usual or feels spongy underfoot, the hydraulic side of the system may need checking. Tell us whether it's constant or only happens after the car has been parked for a while.
Pulling or shaking as you slow down.
A car that drifts to one side under braking, or a steering wheel that shudders as you slow, needs an inspection. Mention the speed where it starts, since that detail helps narrow down the cause.
A brake warning light or fluid near a wheel.
A red brake warning light should always be taken seriously, and so should damp patches inside a wheel. Check your handbook for what the light means on your model, then contact us before driving any distance.
Start by sending your registration and a short description of the problem, saying when it happens and whether anything has changed recently, such as new parts fitted by another garage. We'll review your request and confirm an appointment.
Once the car is in the workshop, we inspect the brakes and explain what we've found. We agree the work and its cost with you before it starts. Completion times depend on what the inspection finds and on the availability of parts.
Some faults need more than a visual check, and a warning light may call for a diagnostic check before any brake parts are ordered.
Brakes and the MOT
How brakes are checked at the MOT.
The MOT includes braking performance and the condition of the relevant brake components. The official guidance is on GOV.UK.
If your last MOT recorded a brake defect or advisory, include the test report with your enquiry, which you can find using the GOV.UK MOT history checker.
We carry out Class 4 MOT testing at the same workshop, so a brake repair and an upcoming test can be discussed in one enquiry.
See what happens during an MOTSafety first
When the car shouldn't be driven.
Stop driving if the pedal sinks towards the floor or the car pulls hard as you slow down, and the same goes for grinding that gets louder each day. It isn't worth the risk.
We offer vehicle recovery for cars and small vans, so send the vehicle's location and a note of what has happened and we'll tell you whether recovery can be arranged. Please don't attempt the drive to Saville Road on brakes you don't trust.
Ask about vehicle recoveryLocal brake repairs
Brake repairs for drivers around Peterborough.
All brake work takes place at Unit 4, Saville Road, Peterborough, PE3 7PR, and we take enquiries from across the city, including Werrington, Hampton, Orton, Stanground and Yaxley. We have no other branches.
Brake repair questions
Common brake repair questions.
How much will my brake repair cost?
We can't give a reliable figure without seeing the vehicle, because the parts needed depend on the make, the model and what the inspection finds. Send your registration and a description of the symptoms, and we'll then explain the next step for your car.
How often do brakes need replacing?
There's no fixed mileage that suits every vehicle. Wear depends on how and where the car is driven, with frequent town stops and heavy loads wearing brakes faster than steady motorway miles.
Is a squeaking brake always a problem?
Not always. A brief squeal on a damp morning is common and often clears after the first few stops, because light surface rust on the discs wears away as you brake. A squeal that stays, gets louder or turns into grinding is different and should be inspected. Tell us when it happens and whether pressing harder changes it.
Can you repair brakes after an MOT failure?
Yes, we can. Brake repairs are part of our mechanical work. Include the MOT report with your enquiry so we can see exactly what was noted, although the car may still need an inspection before we can confirm the repair.
Can I keep driving with the brake warning light on?
It's safest not to. A red brake light can indicate low fluid or a fault in the system, and the cause isn't always obvious from the driver's seat. Check your handbook, then contact us with your registration. If the brakes feel wrong, ask about recovery instead of driving, because a short trip on a faulty system isn't worth the risk.
Peterborough MOT Station
Tell us how your brakes feel.
Send your registration and a short description, and our Saville Road team will review it and confirm an appointment.