Drivers Avoid Car Servicing? Why do Car Drivers avoid Servicing their Cars?

18th April 2024/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

Of course, modern cars are all controlled by computers these days. In fact almost all aspects of manufacturing today’s cars are controlled by computers and this includes the servicing schedules. The servicing details that are written out in your cars hand book. SO, have been designed to give the best possible Smart Car Servicing schedule. Importantly, you should not really vary from that by giving your car extra oil or filter changes.

Drivers neglect their car servicing plan why?

As I have stated earlier today’s cars are better built and more reliable than the cars say ten year ago and before. They have the ability to run for much longer periods that their older counterparts. The only exception to this in my opinion is that we have more problems with the cars electric systems than before. Because modern cars have more of them (car electrics).

The thing that some drivers neglect is to have their cars serviced at the correct periods according to their Servicing a Car manual. We often get cars in for servicing and when we stamp and enter the details into the servicing booklet we find that they have missed out a service completely, and when we sometimes question this they simply come out with some excuse, such as the previous garage forget to fill it in. I do not believe this and it also important to keep a Car Servicing history to keep up the value should the owner ever want to sell the car.

Some car owners ignore the service book completely?

You would be surprised how many drivers do not have a service book or have lost them. Many car owners are guilty of this. As luck would have it. Most good garages have a car service times and repair schedule times computer. We at Pellon Auto-centre here in Halifax use the Auto-Data computer software for all our mechanical work timings and service schedules. This means that we do not get stuck if a customer does not have a service schedule book for their cars.

Another problem in our busy world. So, is that people do not have their car serviced at all ! Consequently, the end result of this is that although the car will perhaps keep on running. Then it will inevitably start breaking down at some stage or another.

In most cases the warning light will come on for the particular problem that may arise.

The common lights to illuminate are the oil warning lights and the brake warning lights. When a car is regularly serviced these parts are checked and any problem will be rectified for example oils will be changed and brakes will be checked and any problems will be rectified, such as replacing worn out brake pads.

When the car is not serviced then these problems will become exaggerated and lead onto to more damaged parts. A car with a low oil level could lead onto a damaged engine or cylinder head. Worn out brake pads will inevitably lead onto damaged brake discs or burned out wheel cylinder’s, once again leading onto a much higher garage charge. So, than they would get if they did not Drivers Avoid Car Servicing.

Some other things that may affect your car

Other things that could go wrong would fluid changes. On a very big service some car manufacturers recommend that the cars fluid should be changed. These are things such as transmission oils, brake fluids. not forgetting, the engine coolant levels and steering fluid levels. Of course,these are all things that are checked or changed while Car Servicing. Importantly, all of which could be critical if neglected and the drivers Avoid Car Servicing.

The one thing that would give you big problems though is as I have stated earlier. Your ENGINE OIL. You should at least give your car an oil and filter change. This is the very least you should but this could stop your engine blowing. Especially, on the way to the airport for your valuable holidays. I do not really recommend it ! But even if you change the oil and filter yourself, then please do it, a car with a blown up engine is not worth anything to anybody.

Garage servicing does other things

Other things that a garage will do for you during Car Servicing. Of course, is things like changes your wheels round. Thus will ensure, a better wear out of your tyres. Also many garages are now in nationwide schemes and only fit the best parts.

Using low quality spare parts for your cars servicing

This is a cost saving that is false economy ! So, will it really save you money. By fitting your own parts from the local corner accessory shop. Inferior parts will wear out quicker. This is most common to see on tyres. Cheap car tyres will wear out in a faster time than a leading make, say such as Michelin tyres, and this has been proven time and again. A little extra money will give you much better value in the long run

So respond to that check engine oil light on the dash

When the check engine oil warning light, or brake warning light goes on. Your car will still be operational. But please do not ignore it and put it off to for another day. So eventually, its then that you spend quite an amount of money. Naturally, on the car and you regret your negligence. When the check engine light, or any other warning light comes on. Urgently, schedule an appointment with your garage and start a new campaign for your car. So, to have regular Car Servicing. Importantly we also check the car owners timing belt change time when we service their cars.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Traffic Chaos Expected-“Unprecedented summer” expected on UK roads

17th April 2024/0 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Traffic Chaos Expected

So when I read this attached article then it makes good sense to prepare your car for any unexpected traffic hold ups. I can see that there will be many traffic jams and hold ups as the expected figures of traffic volumes come into fruition.

Simply put there will be millions of motorists that are hell bent on a good holiday here in the UK. Hence, as restrictions to the near continent continue to haunt frustrated drivers and their families from travelling abroad. I certainly intend to stay at home this year and see what the situation is next year. However millions are expected to visit the big tourist spots. Whilst, also enjoy the great weather that we are experiencing here in the UK.

In my opinion this is no better time but to have your car serviced or at least check your levels and your air-con system. I can foresee many traffic hold ups. As millions of frustrated motorists and their families head out. In the great August heat wave that we are promised by the weather men.

The amount of breakdowns is expected to sore as cars heading for spots such as the “Lake District”, Scotland and the coastal areas of the UK not forgetting the beautiful Welsh country side . Bottle necks are inevitable so protect your car by having a check out before you set off on your journey.

Dont forget the tyres!

Lastly, but very important is your tyres. The weather is expected to be very hot in August so please have your tyres checked out. So, good tyres with the correct pressure for a loaded car will see you safely home. Many drivers just load up their vehicles with the family and the luggage and not give a second thought about their tyre pressures or indeed the condition of the tyres in general.

Especially when towing a camping trailer or any other type of trailers including caravans. Respectfully though many drivers do have the tyre checked ! Especially, the caravan fraternity.

This attached article gives you some idea of the expected traffic volumes expected. Heading out on our roads this summer school holiday period . Good luck and have a safe journey!

This summer will see unprecedented levels of traffic on UK roads due to drivers planning in excess of an estimated 29m staycations – 16m of these in the school holidays alone – according to a

Source: “Unprecedented summer” expected on UK roads

Mercedes Vito Brakes Job Turns up Horror Shock Absorber

13th April 2024/1 Comment/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Mercedes Vito Brakes

So, I must admit that I am a great fan of the Vito van. Because, a few years ago then I owned a beautiful red Mercedes mini-bus. Fortunately, the vehicle was very reliable. Requiring very little maintenance apart from the normal servicing and the usual tyres and other renewable. As most of my readers now know then my wife and I had eight children. So we needed a large vehicle to transport the family about.

We also did much travelling! Especially, to France, where we spent most of our summer holidays. Unfortunately, the only downside came when we tried to sell the Vito. Positively, it was in great condition. Being a garage owner, then we had the van service at very regular intervals. Brakes were a prime consideration. Because the safety factor when travelling long distances.

So, we advertised the van in all the usual places. Including online web sites. Finally we received an offer from a taxi guy from Chester. The price he offered was below the price that we were asking but we reluctantly let the Vito go.

Same colour Vito in for Brakes

Last week when visiting the garage in Halifax . So, I noticed a red Vito on one of the ramps having some work done. Significantly, the rear wheel were removed and the brake calipers were hanging down. Dale one of my mechanics was working on the van at the time. Asking what was wrong , Dale explained that the van had braking problems and indeed required a full brake rebuild on the rear brakes.

However when removing the rear wheels then Dale discovered an horrific problem ! The rear shock-absorber had completely broke off and was just hanging there! This can be clearly seen in the above image. Unfortunately, the break was from part of the chassis. Serious rotting had taken place in the shocker mounting area. Welding was not an option ! So, to correct this problem then a complete new chassis box section would have to be engineered. Consequently, this is above our remit and would have to be done by a specialist body repair shop.

After contacting the customer we were instructed to carry on with the Mercedes Vito Brakes. As a foot note the customer said that he had never any banging or strange noises at all. I find this hard to believe with a shocker hanging down ?

Car Servicing under Warranty-Do You Have to Have Your Servicing Done By the Main Dealer ?

12th April 2024/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Car Servicing under Warranty

Your car servicing can be carried out when the car is under the manufactures warranty

So, as a garage owner of long standing ! This is a question that I am always asked. Albeit too late to benefit my garage. Of course, when customers come to us for say a tyre fitting. Naturally, then they sometimes ask us what the price of a service would be for their car. Some customers then say that we can’t do the car servicing ! Because the car is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Subsequently, they must take their cars to the main dealer (franchise garage).

This ruling was brought out in the European Union (EU) in 2010 . As an update to previous legislation. Consequently, this is similar to the American version of “Right to repair act”. It was brought up to date to prevent the car manufacturers from protectionism. Including, diverting the cars that they made to their franchise dealers. Thus not allowing any work to be passed onto the independent garage sector. While the vehicle was still under warranty. This also would have included Prestige Car Servicing. Giving the main dealer garages the monopoly for all the work. Whilst the car was still in the warranty period.

This was not acceptable to the EU.

So, as car repair bills were then accounting for 40% of running and owning a family auto. Unfortunately, the costs were going to rise in future years. In my opinion this legislation was not very well publicized. Because the general public do not know much about the fact that you can take your vehicle to a reputable independent garage. Finally, even if the car is still under the makers warranty scheme.

More reading…European Union Auto legislation

Car owners are still told that they must return their cars to the franchise dealers for servicing. Including out of warranty repair work. Including, such things as brake pad replacements and other wear and tear items. Tragically, or else if they don’t it will affect their cars warranty. This is simply NOT TRUE?

A couple of my customers have told me recently that this is what the salesman had told them, when they had bought their new vehicle. One was a guy with a BMW, who told him that the car

had to be serviced by the BMW garage to keep the cars warranty. Another woman customer had bought an Audi TT from the local Audi franchise and they told her the same. I am not sure if it is a lack of knowledge by the car salesman, but I suspect that they must be trained to say these things.

The EU legislation states that all car makers

So, have to offer the least, a two year unlimited mileage warranty on all their cars. This starts from the day the car is first registered. These car sales people should know the law and I am sure the same thing is applicable in the USA, as I stated under their “right to repair laws”. The two year minimum warranty ruling also applies if the car changes ownership within the warranty period.

The 2010 EU ruling along with previous legislation has been around for quite a while now and all franchise garages know that you cannot force a new car buyer to return the car for all its car servicing or brake work. Enabling the car to retain its warranty. The only stipulation is that the independent garage that is carrying out the service should carry out the work according to the cars manufacturing service manual and also use service parts of the same quality as the original equipment fitted the vehicle.

One that may be recommended by your family or friends. If possible look out for a garage that is one of the “good garage schemes”. My garage is a member of one of these schemes and you may think that I am blowing my own trumpet.

But in my opinion ! Standards are high and customer care is a priority at most of these regulated garages. I must stress though, that if a part is found to be faulty . Then the franchise dealer has the right to repair the van under the terms of the car warranty. In my opinion this entirely fair and reasonable. Because it will the manufacturer who will be paying for the faulty parts being repaired. Consequently, they need to have proper procedures in place and a correct paper chase

This post does not cover warranties that are sold by a third party. Including, extended warranties offered by the garage that have sold the car. So, my advice is to be careful with that situation. Some of these other types of warranties that are not under the regulations covering the manufacturer’s warranties may require you to have your car serviced at the dealership where the van was bought.

We recently had this type of problem with a car that had a worn out clutch.

The lady customer brought the car to us for a new clutch fitting. Unfortunately, and did not tell us that the car was still under warranty. She genuinely thought that she did not have to pay for the clutch fitting. Unknowingly, and that we could claim the money back from the car manufacturers. After a long argument and many phone calls to the main dealer she finally paid us for her clutch fitting and went away a very confused and disgruntled lady, never to be seen again.

This was a perfect case of the car owners, not knowing about their cars warranty procedures.

“Under EU law, you may invoke your guarantee at any dealer in the manufacturer’s network, regardless of the EU country in which you bought the car. So if you buy your car in Germany and take it back with you to France. So, you go to a car dealership for that make of car close to your home to ask for a manufacturing fault to be remedied (within the guarantee period), rather than travelling back to Germany”…http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/cars/faq/index_en.htm

Jaguar XF Brake Problems: Hub Rusting the Main Culprit?

12th April 2024/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Jaguar XF Brake Problems

We are fortunate to have a few of our customers who own a Jaguar XF.

So, like most older guys, I have always been a keen fan of Jaguar cars. Going back to when I was a young man working in a garage as an apprentice mechanic,. We were fortunate enough to have some wealthy customers. Importantly, who could afford to buy new Jaguars from time to time.

One of them was one of the directors of the Fox’s biscuits empire. Hence, who was one of the Fox families. Luckily, he always had four or five new cars on the go at once. Consequently,who always kept us busy with the servicing and repairs.

Jaguars have always appeared to have brake or tyre problems. So, throughout their history,. I can remember when, in the late 1960s, the new XJ4 came onto the market. This car sported wonderful flared arches. Including new 6×15-inch wheels that were fitted out with a new tyre from Dunlop Tyres. Subsequently, the tyre size was ER70VR15.

These tyres were especially designed for Jaguars by Dunlop. Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Dunlop was developing tyres with Jaguar engineers. Who at that time was a major force in the UK tyre market? Importantly, this car also came out with disc brakes all around.

I always remember the problems that the XJ4’s were having with vibrations. Annoyingly, coming through brakes and the steering wheels. Firstly, it turned out that one of the problems was engine vibrations. So, Jaguar engineers tried out many things. Of course to try and correct the problems.

I then worked for National Tyre Service, which Dunlop owned entirely. It was our task to try to balance the wheels to our best ability. But in those days, we did not have the sophisticated electronic equipment that we use in today’s cars. In fact, we had to take the cars to the Dunlop garage in Leeds. Strangely, at the time, this was done in secrecy. Because of the huge problem that Jaguar was having with these vibration problems.

I was once able to stop and watch the engineers go to work balancing the wheels. Jaguar XF Brake Problems

The balancing was carried out on a special machine that I had never seen before. It must have been brought to Leeds from the Dunlop factory. The most amazing thing was that the Dunlop technician actually skimmed some of the tread off the tyres. Trying to make them

rounder. I certainly know that all this was hush-hush. Incredibly, so not to affect the reputation of Jaguar and also Dunlop. I believe that Jaguar had to do all sorts of things to correct the vibrations problem ! An excellent article about the early Jags can be found on…Aronline .

Back To the future with the Jaguar XF. Jaguar XF Brake Problems

As I have said before,! We have three or four customers that come to us for servicing. Including other jobs done on their Jaguar XF. We have had a couple of these with complaints about brake vibrations and a droning noise. One of our customers came in with brake problems similar to the others.

This one was a bit different in that the problem did not occur when he was doing high speed ,the car was smooth, but when he started to slow down to about 60 mph and then 40 mph the vibration and droning noise would start to happen.

The problem is, like so many of these things, that when we road test the cars the problem never shows itself up, the car plays mind games with the owners. This particular car was taken back to the main dealers, but we now know that the braking and droning noise is now a recognised fault, the cause is thought to be the disc brakes or hub run out.

Another Jaguar XF that we were servicing was found to need discs and pads all round.

We contacted the customer, who kindly gave us the go-ahead to do the job. He gave us his consent, and we carried out the brake work. About three months later, the car had developed a slight brake vibration, and he left the car with us for examination. This all reminded me of our problems with the XJ6 and Jags in the 1960s.

We road tested the car, and sure enough, the brake pedal did vibrate slightly. We could find nothing wrong, and true to our warranty policy we suspected that the discs could be faulty and ordered a new set of discs.

Our supplier agreed to change the discs and accordingly sent us a new set. The New Jaguar XF discs fit onto the hub and we noticed that a slight amount of rust had formed on the outer part of the hub; this can be seen on the pictures that we took.

We think that we cured a previous Jaguar XF by removing any rust and thoroughly cleaning the hubs

Of course, before refitting the brakes discs. When we did this on this particular Jag, it appeared to solve the problem. So, we cleaned off any rust that had formed on the hub. Thus, we re-seated the discs and re-fitted the replacement discs. Ryan Road tested the car, and all was well. The car had no brake vibrations, and so far, it appears to be working fine.

We now think that this could be a problem if you are lucky enough to own one of these fine cars. Please make sure that the hubs where the discs fit are totally cleaned and look like new, because any rust build up will cause the disc to run out of line, only a fraction, but we feel it would be enough to cause a brake vibration on the Jaguar XF when the pedal is applied.

Eric Roberts

Neglect car servicing-at your own peril – Daily Nation-Pellonautocentre

6th April 2024/2 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Neglect car servicing

Daily Nation Neglect car servicing at your own peril Daily Nation If you simply asked a garage for a major car servicing, and handed the car over with a flat spare, one rear wheel five psi below pressure, feathering wear on one front tyre tread, a screw…

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Neglect car servicing advice from Africa

I know that I keep going on about how important car servicing is. But its good advice when I see other countries preaching the same thing. So this article comes from Africa! Giving the motorist some good points that affect all car drivers. Importantly to have your car serviced. Of course, there may be some serious underlying problem with your car.

Especially, about hidden problems that you do not know about. Significantly, that a service should pick up. The main neglect that we come across is Car Brakes problems, for example leaking brake cylinders that are undetected could lead to a sudden brake loss, and heaven knows what that could cause, so please have your car servicing done at regular intervals. Please do not Neglect car servicing?

If you would like some advice about your cars servicing intervals then here you are .

From my advice I would like to stress that the newer your car is then the fewer services the car will need. Most of today’s modern cars that our customers drive are supposed to be serviced every 12000 Miles Per Year. Or at least once a year. Some of the older models require more Servicing a Car, but we tend to check out the service booklets and service the cars accordingly.

After three years, your car should have averaged say 12000 miles every year, but many drivers do not do that amount of miles, so in that case i would advise you once again to stick to the mileage regime and not the time scale. In my opinion it is best practice to stick to the cars service manual. If you do Neglect car servicing and exceed the miles, say if you use your car for work purposes then you should have the 12000 mile service once a year, or at least make sure that the car has a major service.

But most importantly please make sure that the car has the oil and filter changed, as oil contamination can always run into other more major problems. Also check the time or mileage that your timing belt needs changing, this can be the major problem if you Neglect car servicing , if your car requires it, most do and have a brake check. if you have a 12000 mile yearly service, then all this will be taken care of.

Noisy Car Brakes-Nice Red Citroen DS3 Pulls in with a Grinding Brakes Problem?

4th April 2024/3 Comments/in All Car Manufacturer Articles, Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Noisy Car Brakes

I was surprised to see this nice looking red car

Been the owner of a busy garage has many” ups and downs”. One of the more nicer and pleasant aspects of the job is to see the the number of different cars and car models that would appear in any given week.

This past week has seen cars as diverse as a Rolls Royce Wraith ( which was one of only 220 cars produced) to a Wolsey Hornet Mini from the late sixties, not counting the everyday cars such as Ford Fiestas and VW Golfs. Early on in the week we had a car made by Citroen, the DS3 call in to us with rattling Car Brakes. The was in my favourite colour a very bright red, ( I love red cars). We put the citroen car with the Noisy Car Brakes on a ramp and removed all the wheels to check the Brakes, and sure enough the front pads were worn down to the metal and the friction from having “metal to metal” had also damaged the front discs. The rear brakes were cleaned and checked and were good for further use.

We contacted the customer and was given the go ahead to replace the brakes

Of course, this meant that the customer was getting good quality brakes with a nation wide guarantee. The job was completed and the customer went on his way. Importantly, I took a couple of pictures because I am a great fan of the Citroen DS3. The colours are very bright and modern looking with a choice of 11 colours and four different roof colours, you can even have colour coded alloy wheels and also different carpet designs. There is also a sports version known as the D-Sport which comes with Blue-tooth and climate control. The car also include 17 inch alloy wheels, the one I looked at came with Yokohama tyres and looked great. They also come out with additional body modifications and really look very stylish.

This car in my opinion is a great tribute to the New Citroen DS3 designers, who had to compete with the BMW Mini and the great little Fiat 500.

BMW Mini Suspension- Has a Rear Suspension Collapse ? Due to bottom links.

27th March 2024/5 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

BMW Mini Suspension

Is this a common BMW Mini suspension fault ?

When I opened my garage doors on Saturday. Then a dark green BMW Mini had been left in the car park overnight. As a result, the owner had left a note . Thus to say that she would be calling in that morning. At the time we had not noticed . That the rear drivers BMW Mini Suspension was not straight . But leaning in at the top.

When we eventually got the BMW Mini on the ramp,(Saturday is a very busy day for tyre customers) we were astounded to find that the problem was caused by a broken bottom arm link, a part of the BMW Mini Suspension. The bottom link had completely snapped in two. This caused the wheel to pull in at the top making the car un-drivable.

This link is part of the cars multi-link system that is now common on modern vehicles such as the BMW Mini, and is used to give the cars independent suspension to all four corners of the car. The BMW Mini Suspension top and bottom links are part of that system. The lady customer can not remember running over any objects but with all the snow that has fallen in the Halifax area this winter, it is possible that she may have run over a large stone that was buried in the snow without knowing and snapped the link in two. This year has been a particularly bad year for broken springs and other suspension parts. The video that I have included in this post clearly shows the bottom link in action, it is the part that is a silver colour at the bottom of the BMW Mini suspension.

The new part has now been ordered and we will be fixing the BMW Mini this week.

Independent Car Care centres-The Benefits of Been an Independent to our Customers

26th March 2024/in All Unipart Service Centres Stuff/by Eric Roberts

Independent Car Care centres

Independent Car Care centres-Cars are among the most essential parts of our lives.

Virtually everyone owns their own vehicle. Whether it is for public use or private use. To ensure that your vehicle maintains its pristine condition. So, it is essential to periodically visit to your Independent Car Care centres. Car care centres are ideal destinations for repairing and maintaining vehicles. There are numerous benefits that vehicle owners attain when they take their vehicles to these dealers.

The first benefit is that these centres possess expert mechanics. Who have mastered every minute detail about automobiles. This lets them handle any form of issue with your vehicle. Consequently, they may undo most significant damages to your automobile. They typically repair, check or service your batteries, wiper blades, tyre pressure, clutch, lights, brakes and engine. These repairs will ensure that your vehicle remains pristine. That will protect it from the strain it typically faces.
The second benefit is that the mechanics offer peace of mind . They have mastered virtually everything about vehicles due to their immense experience along with their training. Whatever make or model your vehicle might be. The mechanics know all of its workings. To them, it is irrelevant whether your vehicle is vintage, rare or foreign. They also possess all the ideal pieces of equipment. Along with tools to repair or to service your vehicle. They guarantee that your vehicle’s condition will improve. Hence, the mechanics offer peace of mind as you remain assured that they are the most ideal experts to handle your vehicle.
The third benefit is that these care centres mechanics are cost-effective. Their charges typically reflect the type of repair or service they perform. If your vehicle has sustained extensive damage or requires extensive servicing. So, their services will reflect that. In fact, their charges are often reasonable with immense damages. Likewise, their charges are relatively minute if your vehicle does not need plenty of work. The mechanics, in addition, are insured. This means that they will not charge for any issues that may arise when they attempt to repair or service your vehicle.

Car care centres offer more care for your car

The fourth benefit is that the mechanics offer additional services. For instance, if your car has broken down somewhere and you cannot move it, you may hire them to tow your vehicle. This will be considerably more affordable and convenient than paying an independent towing company. The mechanics also offer ideal advice. Your vehicle may require new parts like brakes or headlights. If so, these professionals may offer advice on the type of Online Catalogue are most ideal. For instance, there are brand new spare parts that are considerably expensive. But are essential for certain parts, like gearboxes. There are also recycled spare parts which are affordable and may be ideal for parts like headlights. They may also offer advice on whether a particular component needs to be repaired or if it requires replacement. Independent Car Care centres advice is primarily to suit you and your budget.

On the whole, Unipart car care centres are ideal centres for having your vehicle repaired or serviced. They are affordable and effective. We have now left the Unipart scheme and it will make no difference to our customer service going forward.

Failing Brakes-Lack Of Car Servicing Could lead To problems with your cars brakes ?

25th March 2024/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Failing Brakes

Many cars are now having a bad experience

Of driving your car along the road only to find that when you apply the Failing Brakes,

you hear a tremendous “grinding”noise problems

Of course winter is always a bad time for our customers with brake problems. Specifically, because drivers use their brakes much more often. Especially, if the weather turns wild. Snow and ice make drivers doubly aware of the driving conditions. Consequently, they use the brakes twice as much as they would in say dry sunny summer conditions.

Eventually the brake pads will wear away. In many cases the pads wear down to the extent of wearing out altogether thus causing Failing Brakes ! Frequently, only leaving the metal part of the pads in tack. Of course this is the time when the grinding noise can be first heard by the driver. So, causing panic as this is often accompanied by brake warning lights illuminating on the cab dashboard !

Drivers panic !

So, the noise comes from the metal part of the worn out pads grinding on the metal brake discs eventual causing Failing Brakes. Resulting in the horrific noise when the brakes are applied. Significantly, this happens many times and We are now finding that we are seen an increase in drivers calling into our Halifax garage with this problem. With with Failing Brakes that are rattling and banging. Many of our customers are lady drivers (about 60% we estimate).

Not being sexist but the lady drivers do appear to panic more when this bad brake experience happens. Finding out that when you apply the brakes. Then you can hear a tremendous “grinding”noise. As a result, coming from your car. This can be a harrowing and frightening experience. Especially, to a first time driver.

When this happens all the customer wants to do is stop their car. Of course and then, getting it to a garage as soon as possible. As I have siad earlier, these days as well as the noise, then a warning light will illuminate. Hence, on the dash-board. Making the experience twice as daunting.

Customers just want their vehicle putting right !

So, in really severe cases of total brake failure, then a recovery is often required. Drivers just dont want to drive their cars that are making such a terrible noise. So, the cars are just left with us to do whatever is needed to make their vehicles roadworthy again ! The cost of the repairs does not seem to be a problem. Because, this important part of the car and the brakes must be fixed at all cost.

Why let the brakes get to this stage ?

This is the bit that I don’t understand ! I believe that the main reason for the customer grinding brake problem is a lack of car servicing. Thus allowing their cars to become beyond the stage of proper safety levels (when the pads are completely worn down and they become metal on metal with the Discs). Dangerously, this problem occurs mainly because the vehicle had not been serviced the year before.

Customers now lead very busy lives ! So, it is not surprising when we tell them that their car has not been serviced for over two years. I must admit that I am in this bracket ! Consequently, because of a missed service then parts that need replacing such as brake pads . So, are neglected and wear out causing the grinding problem. Customers do not usually miss servicing on purpose !

So, there was a time when our customers would miss a service for financial reasons. In recent years we have found that this has become less of a problem. Money is much easier to access, so important things such as servicing their car has become less of a problem.

Missing a service is false economy !

However a modern safe guard has become the annual MOT Test and servicing. Expressly, the modern way is to have a service when the vehicle is in for its annual MOT test. So, to help drivers, many garages like ourselves. Offer a service and MOT package that is in the financial reach of most card drivers. Of course, this package ensures that things that could be missed due to neglect can be spotted and put to rights.

Including the cars braking system. When the brake pads are not completely worn down then we can advise the car owners and they can be changed before the dreaded grinding noise emanates.

So, when the car is in fir a service/MOT, and we find that the Brake Pads are getting low. Then we report back to the client with an advisory. Of course with the permission of the car owner ! The parts will be changed on the service making the car safe again, and up to scratch. If the owner does not have their vehicle serviced and the Failing Brakes are neglected, then the problem of low pads will then be spread to the other parts, namely the brake discs.

Of course, other brake problems could also occur. Including, seized up brake calipers, or leaking brake cylinders and damaged ABS warning wires.

Failing Brakes problems could have been avoided.

As an example to what I was saying earlier in the article! One lady customer brought her BMW Mini in to us with a Brakes problem. Closely examining the Mini we found that she required discs and pads on the front. Including a set of pads on the rear. The lady could not understand this ! Explaining that she we had only just serviced the car a couple of months previously.

Much surprised! We subsequently,checked the records on our computer system. She was horrified to find that the last service was carried out 18 months ago ! Time had flown by and she had missed her annual service completely. Needless to say that she apologised, paid her bill and went on her way. Of course ,we do send out reminders to our customers, but it had slipped her mind.

I do believe that motorists are becoming more aware and educated about the need for regular car servicing as a preventative measure to Failing Brakes. Especially before the dreaded grinding brake scenario occurs!

All Car Servicing