Properly functioning brakes are the most important safety feature of your car. At Faay Auto Groep we provide professional brake repairs and maintenance. Yet, brake system maintenance is often postponed, with all the associated risks. This comprehensive guide explains everything about replacing brakes: when is it necessary, what signs to recognize, and what are the costs? We also explain the difference between brake discs, brake pads, and brake fluid, and why timely maintenance can be life-saving.
Why Brake Maintenance Is So Important
Your car's braking system is designed to convert kinetic energy into heat through friction. This occurs when the brake pads press against the brake rotors (or drums). Constant use wears out these components, reducing braking power and compromising safety.
According to research by the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club), defective brakes are involved in approximately 51% of all traffic accidents. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with timely maintenance. A well-maintained brake system can make the difference between coming to a safe stop and an accident.
Brake System Parts: An Overview
The braking system consists of several components that must all work together for optimal braking power:
1. Brake discs (or brake drums)
Brake discs are metal discs that rotate with the wheel. When you brake, the brake pads are pressed against these discs. Friction and heat can cause brake discs to wear, deform, or crack. Modern cars usually have front brake discs, and sometimes rear ones as well (otherwise, drums).
2. Brake pads
Brake pads are located on either side of the brake disc and contain the friction material that presses against the disc. They wear out the fastest of all brake components and must be replaced regularly. The thickness of the brake pad is crucial – if the pad is too thin, you'll be braking against the metal backing, which will damage the brake disc.
3. Brake caliper (brake caliper)
The brake caliper contains the pistons that press the brake pads against the disc. Worn or seized calipers can lead to uneven brake pad wear and reduced braking power.
4. Brake fluid
Brake fluid transfers pressure from the brake pedal to the brake calipers. This fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Excess moisture lowers the boiling point, which can lead to brake fade (loss of braking power during heavy use). Brake fluid should be replaced every 2-3 years.
5. Brake Lines and Hoses
Brake lines transport brake fluid through the system. Leaks or corrosion in these lines are dangerous and must be repaired immediately.
Warning Signs: When Should Brakes Be Replaced?
Your car will give you several signals when the brake system needs maintenance. Recognize these signals and respond promptly:
1. Squeaking or Cracking Sound
A high-pitched squealing sound when braking is often the first sign that brake pads are worn. Many brake pads have a built-in wear indicator – a metal tab that squeaks when the pad is nearly worn. A creaking or scraping sound indicates more severe wear, where metal rubs against metal.
2. Vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal
Vibrations while braking often indicate warped brake discs. This occurs due to uneven heating or over-tightening of the wheel bolts. Warped discs can no longer make even contact with the brake pads, resulting in pulsating braking force.
3. Longer braking distance
If you notice your car takes longer to stop, or you have to press the brake pedal harder, this is a serious warning sign. Possible causes include worn brake pads, air in the brake system, or leaking brake fluid.
4. Car Pulls to One Side
If your car pulls to one side while braking, this could indicate unevenly worn brake pads, a seized caliper, or uneven braking force between left and right. This is dangerous in an emergency.
5. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal
A brake pedal that feels soft or offers little resistance could indicate air in the brake system, leaking brake fluid, or a faulty master cylinder. This requires immediate action.
6. Warning light on
The brake light on the dashboard indicates a problem with the brake system. This can range from low fluid to a fault in the ABS system. Never ignore this light.
7. Burning Smell
A sharp, chemical odor after heavy braking (for example, downhill) can indicate overheated brakes. In extreme cases, brake fluid can boil, potentially leading to complete brake failure.
Replacing Brakes: Cost Overview 2025
Brake replacement costs vary significantly depending on the make, model, and which components need replacing. Below is an overview of average costs:
| Component | Material | Labor | Total Per Axle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads | €40 – €120 | €60 – €100 | €100 – €220 |
| Rear brake pads | €30 – €90 | €60 – €100 | €90 – €190 |
| Front brake discs | €80 – €200 | €80 – €140 | €160 – €340 |
| Rear brake discs | €60 – €150 | €80 – €140 | €140 – €290 |
| Complete brake set front (discs + pads) | €120 – €320 | €100 – €160 | €220 – €480 |
| Complete rear brake set (discs + pads) | €90 – €240 | €100 – €160 | €190 – €400 |
| Change brake fluid | €15 – €30 | €40 – €80 | €55 – €110 |
| Brake caliper overhaul/replacement (per piece) | €80 – €250 | €60 – €120 | €140 – €370 |
Premium brands: Premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) charge higher due to more expensive components and complex systems. Sports cars with ceramic brake discs can even cost over €2,000 per axle.
How Often Should Brakes Be Replaced?
The lifespan of brake components depends on your riding style, the type of riding you do, and the quality of the parts:
Brake pads
- Front: 30,000 – 70,000 km
- Back: 50,000 – 100,000 km
- Considerably shorter when driving sportily or in city traffic
- Minimum thickness: usually 3-4mm (check maintenance booklet)
Brake discs
- Front: 60,000 – 120,000 km
- Back: 100,000 – 150,000 km
- Brake pads can often be replaced 1-2 times before discs need replacing
- Minimum thickness is often engraved on the disc
Brake fluid
- Recommended interval: Every 2-3 years
- Independent of kilometers
- Humidity percentage can be measured (should not exceed 3-4%)
Brake Pads vs. Brake Rotors: Must Everything Be Done at Once?
A frequently asked question is whether brake rotors always need to be replaced when replacing brake pads. The answer is: not always, but often it's wise.
When to Replace Only Brake Pads?
- Brake discs are still thick enough (above minimum thickness)
- Surface is smooth and has no deep grooves
- No cracks or tears visible
- No vibrations when braking
- Discs are still relatively new (less than 60,000 km)
When Should Brake Discs Also Be Replaced?
- Discs are at or below minimum thickness
- Deep grooves or ridges in the surface
- Cracks or fissures present
- Distortion (vibrations when braking)
- Discs have already been ground down 1-2 times
- With sporty driving style or frequent mountain driving
FAAY advice: We often recommend replacing brake rotors and brake pads at the same time. New brake pads wear down faster on old, uneven rotors, which shortens their lifespan. You'll also save labor costs by doing everything at once.
Brake Pad Types: Which One Should You Choose?
There are different types of brake pads available, each with its own properties:
1. Organic Brake Pads
- Material: Fiberglass, Kevlar, rubber
- Advantages: Soft, quiet, gentle on discs
- Disadvantages: Short lifespan, less good at high temperatures
- Suitable for: Normal use, city traffic
2. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
- Material: 30-70% metal (copper, steel, iron)
- Advantages: Good heat dissipation, longer life, better braking power
- Disadvantages: More wear on discs, may squeak
- Suitable for: Normal to sporty driving style, most common
3. Ceramic Brake Pads
- Material: Ceramic fibers and copper wires
- Advantages: Very long life, quiet, low brake dust, stable under temperature fluctuations
- Disadvantages: More expensive, performance at extremely high temperatures sometimes less
- Suitable for: Everyday use, premium vehicles
4. Performance/Sport Brake Pads
- Material: Special compounds for high temperatures
- Advantages: Excellent braking power at high temperatures, low fading
- Disadvantages: Short shelf life, many wear discs, noisy, works poorly at low temperatures
- Suitable for: Circuit/track use, sports cars
Safety Risks of Worn Brakes
Delaying brake maintenance poses serious safety risks:
- Extended braking distance: May result in rear-end collisions
- Reduced control: Unpredictable braking behavior in emergency situations
- Complete brake failure: In case of boiled brake fluid or broken lines
- Damage to other components: Worn brake pads damage expensive brake discs
- APK rejection: Worn brakes will be rejected during the MOT
- Insurance issues: In case of an accident due to poor maintenance, insurance may refuse
APK Requirements for Brakes
During the MOT inspection, the brakes are thoroughly tested. Your car will fail if:
- Brake pads thinner than minimum thickness (usually 3-4mm)
- Brake discs below minimum thickness or severely damaged
- Insufficient braking effect (measured on the dynamometer)
- Unequal braking force between left and right (difference > 30%)
- Leaking brake fluid
- Rusted or damaged brake lines
- Faulty brake light or handbrake
- ABS fault (in cars with ABS)
Brake Maintenance: Tips for Longer Brake Life
- Anticipatory driving: Avoid hard braking by looking ahead and anticipating early
- Braking the engine: Use the engine to slow down (downshift) instead of just the brakes
- Avoid water: After driving through deep puddles, brake carefully to remove water from the discs
- Regular check: Have your brakes checked at every service
- Quality parts: Cheap brake pads wear out faster and brake worse
- Both axes at the same time: Always replace both wheels on an axle at the same time for equal braking force
- Breaking in new brakes: New brakes require running in – follow mechanic's instructions
Brake Replacement at FAAY Auto Group
At FAAY Auto Groep, we take the safety of you and your family seriously. Our certified mechanics inspect your entire braking system and only recommend what's truly necessary.
Our brake service includes:
- Thorough inspection of brake pads, discs, calipers and hoses
- Measurement of brake pad and disc thickness
- Check brake fluid (moisture percentage)
- Roller test after replacement for optimal braking power
- Use of OEM or Premium quality parts
- Transparent price quote in advance
- Parts and labor warranty
Not sure if your brakes need maintenance? Schedule a free brake check at FAAY Auto Groep. Your safety is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing Brakes
How often should brakes be replaced?
Brake pads last an average of 30,000-70,000 km (front) and 50,000-100,000 km (rear). Brake discs last about twice as long. This depends heavily on your driving style and the type of riding. City driving and sporty driving cause faster wear. Have your brakes checked during every major service.
Can I still drive safely with squeaky brakes?
Squealing brakes are a warning sign that your brake pads are almost worn out. You can still drive, but schedule an appointment with your mechanic immediately. Don't ignore this warning sign – if the squealing turns into scraping or grinding, you're already braking on metal and damaging your brake rotors. This makes the repair much more expensive.
Do I always have to replace all four brakes at the same time?
No, but you should always replace both wheels on an axle (left and right) at the same time. This ensures even braking force and prevents the car from pulling to one side when braking. The front wears faster than the rear, so the front brakes are often replaced first, followed by the rear brakes.
How much does it cost to have brakes replaced?
For a complete brake set (discs and pads) per axle, expect to pay €220-€480 for the front and €190-€400 for the rear for a standard car. Premium brands are 30-50% more expensive. Replacing brake pads alone costs €100-€220 per axle. Always request a customized quote for your specific car – at FAAY Auto Groep, you'll receive a transparent price quote upfront.
How do I know if my brake fluid needs to be changed?
Brake fluid should be replaced every 2-3 years, regardless of mileage. The fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point. Excessive moisture (>3-4%) can cause the fluid to boil during heavy braking, leading to brake failure. We can measure the moisture content with a special tester. Signs of old brake fluid include a spongy brake pedal and dark, cloudy fluid (new fluid is clear to light yellow).
Schedule your brake check at FAAY Auto Groep today. Safety starts with well-maintained brakes – we're here for you!
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