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Brake Problems

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Brake Problems

Brake problems can be difficult to diagnose, but most drivers encounter these common symptoms: your brake pedal feels soft or mushy, and when braking, your foot

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Master cylinder brake fluid may need checking at regular intervals

This Brake Problems video and article written by Joyce Blay are well worth looking at. We in the garage and autocenter sectors are always advising motorists.

Of course, about how they should look after their cars. However, we cannot overstate the importance of the car’s braking system. including how important it is to have your brakes checked. By a professional mechanic or your local garage to avoid future brake problems.

The levels that are checked under your bonnet (hood) Importantly, you will include the level in your master cylinder. The lack of brake fluid in the brake master cylinders will lead to spongy brakes, which, if not corrected, will result in brake problems and even brake failure.

Brake Problems – Brake Problems

So have these levels checked, and if required, you may need a complete brake fluid change. Periodically, the car manufacturers advise doing this as well. So it is well worth checking to see what intervals this job should be done at.

Also, if you are topping up the master cylinder yourself, make sure you use the recommended type of fluid for your model; some are different from others, and your user’s manual will tell you which fluid to use. These procedures may help eliminate any braking problems in the future!

brake revolution

Of course, as time has gone by, brakes have become much more complicated. So one of the big advances has been the introduction of ABS to our braking systems. It is important to realise that in my lifetime, braking systems have improved beyond recognition. That is to say that when I was an apprentice mechanic, most regular cars only had drum brakes fitted front and rear.

Later cars that were in the upper-class bracket, such as Mercedes, were fitted with disc brakes at the front. Developments were coming out of the racing car circuits.

Consequently, technology would be passed from the racing circuit onto everyday regular cars. Motor racing sped up the development of all aspects of modern cars. Up to the latest developments! including the introduction of the AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking). So, this system will detect a potential vehicle impact and automatically apply the braking system.

Brake Problems
Brake Problems

How Vehicle Brakes Have Improved for Safer Driving: A Braking Revolution


Hi to everybody! How do we all feel? Do you want to talk about automobile brakes? I realise it’s not the most exciting topic, but bear with me. The rules of the game have significantly altered over the past several years, making our cars safer than ever. This is all because of some seriously cool developments in brake technology. Now hold on tight, and let’s begin!

A Long Time Ago – Brake Problems

I’m not that ancient, but I do recall a time when car brakes were less complicated. These were functional but not quite as efficient as what we have now. In the present, the surroundings are completely different. Current braking mechanisms resemble something from a science fiction movie.

The Revolution of ABS

ABS, or the Anti-lock Braking System, is likely familiar to you unless you’ve been living under a rock. Nowadays, it comes as standard in the majority of autos, and for good reason. Stop slipping and sliding like Bambi on ice. Even when you stomp on the brakes, ABS ensures that you stay in control of your car. Let me tell you, it’s changed the game.

Automated Emergency Braking: The Latest Trend

This is when things really start to heat up. AEB, or automatic emergency braking, is like having a personal guardian angel in your vehicle. This smart mechanism applies the brakes for you if it detects that a collision is imminent. Yes, your car has your back even if you’re too startled to respond. Incredible, isn’t it?

Technical Part – Brake Problems

All of this brake magic is based on sensors, computers, and real-time data, without getting into a physics lecture. To ensure that our cars are as secure as houses, car manufacturers have made significant R&D investments. And new developments keep happening. I wouldn’t be shocked if in the near future we had brakes that could somehow foretell the future!

Enhanced Road Safety in Halifax and Beyond

What impact does this have on us in Halifax? Really, quite a lot. Having a trustworthy braking system is important because of our twisting roads, our uneven terrain, and let’s not forget the legendary Yorkshire weather. I’ve noticed fewer brake-related problems in the automobiles that enter my garage, and that’s cause for celebration.

Brake Problems
Brake Problems
Finishing up: Brake Problems

Okay, guys, that’s the skinny on how car brakes have developed to improve the safety and security of our drives. Driving appears to have a brighter and safer future thanks to technologies like ABS and automatic emergency braking.

Thank you for watching. You know where to find us if you have any worries concerning the brakes on your automobile. Keep those wheels—and brakes—turning safely, and be careful! 🚗

To be truthful, I am not sure how this is going to work, but I am sure that it will be another brake system success.

More Modern Brake Technology: What Drivers Should Know Today

As car technology keeps marching on, brakes haven’t just improved—they’ve completely transformed. Many drivers don’t realise just how much engineering goes into stopping a modern car safely.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Brake Problems

You might not hear people talk about EBD down at the pub, but it’s fitted to most modern motors. It works hand-in-hand with ABS and automatically sends more braking force to the wheels that need it most.
In simple terms:
👉 Heavy load in the boot?
👉 Kids in the back seats?

EBD adjusts everything instantly so the car stops in a stable, straight line. Years ago, you’d have felt the back end twitch or slide—not anymore.

Brake Assist (BA): Helping in a Panic

Most drivers think they brake hard in an emergency… But tests show many actually don’t press the pedal fully when they panic. That’s where Brake Assist steps in.
The system senses sudden, sharp pedal movement and automatically applies maximum braking force even if you didn’t push all the way.
This tiny difference can knock metres off stopping distances — a lifesaver when a dog runs into the road or someone slams on ahead of you on the Elland Bypass.

Regenerative Braking on Hybrids & EVs: Brake Problems

Electric cars have brought a new trick to the world of braking. Regenerative braking doesn’t just slow the car — it captures the energy and puts it back into the battery.
In busy towns like Halifax, where it’s stop-start traffic between King Cross, Skircoat and Pellon Lane, regen braking actually gives EV drivers a decent bit of extra range.
Brakes on EVs often last much longer too because the electric motors do a big chunk of the slowing down.

Improved Brake Materials: Longer Life, Better Performance

Brake pads aren’t just lumps of friction material anymore. Modern pads use:

  • Kevlar blends
  • Ceramic compounds
  • Low-metallic materials

These help reduce noise, dust, fading and wear — all things older cars struggled with.
Even the brake discs have improved, with coated and vented designs now standard on many makes and models.

For us in West Yorkshire—hills, stop-start bends, and the odd emergency “Sheep in the road!” moment — these improvements make daily driving far safer.

Autonomous Braking & Radar Technology

Some newer cars, especially premium brands, now combine AEB with:

  • Front radar
  • Cameras
  • LIDAR systems

These don’t just brake for you — they track traffic, judge distance, and sometimes even tighten the seatbelts before impact.
It’s a far cry from the old Ford Cortinas and Vivas we grew up with!

Why Good Brakes Matter More in Yorkshire

If you live around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge or up towards Queensbury, you already know our roads aren’t exactly gentle.
Steep hills, tight bends, potholes, wet leaves and grit all make braking performance even more important.
Every upgrade manufacturers make means fewer accidents, fewer MOT failures, and safer journeys for everyone.

The Future: Smarter Brakes on the Horizon

Engineers are already working on…

  • Brake-by-wire systems (no hydraulic fluid, fully electronic!)
  • Self-diagnosing brake pads that warn you before wear becomes serious
  • Heat-resistant discs designed specifically for electric vehicles

Give it another decade and stopping a car may rely more on computer power than pedal power

VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

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VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

VW Tiguan with Braking Problem
VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

Busy Workshop at Pellon – VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

It’s all go at Pellon Tyres at the moment as we head towards the Easter break. Alongside the usual mix of servicing and tyres, we had a steady flow of repair work coming through the doors.

At the same time as we were sorting the Fiat, another job came in—a Volkswagen Tiguan with a serious braking issue.

Now this one was a bit more concerning.

🚙 The VW Tiguan – A Solid Family Motor: VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

4

The Tiguan is a popular choice around Halifax and Calderdale—plenty of them about, especially with families needing something a bit bigger for school runs, shopping, and trips out on the top.

They’re known for:

  • Comfort and space
  • Good road handling
  • Solid German build

But like any vehicle, when it comes to brakes, wear and tear must never be ignored.

VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

🔧 What We Found – Cracked Brake Discs

After carrying out a full brake inspection, the problem became clear straight away.

  • The brake discs were badly cracked
  • Pads were worn down
  • Overall braking performance was compromised

To be honest, they were in a dangerous condition and needed sorting immediately.

Cracked discs are not something you want to take chances with. Once they start to fracture, they can:

  • Lose braking efficiency
  • Cause vibration through the steering
  • In worst cases, fail under heavy braking

⚠️ What Causes Brake Discs to Crack? VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

It’s not something we see every day, but it does happen—and there are a few common reasons.

1. Heat Build-Up

Brakes get extremely hot, especially the following:

  • On long downhill runs (plenty of those around Calderdale!)
  • Heavy braking in traffic

If the discs heat up and cool down too quickly, they can develop stress cracks.

VW Tiguan with Braking Problem
old cracked and worn out disc

2. Worn Brake Pads

When pads are worn down:

  • Metal starts contacting metal
  • Extra heat is generated
  • Discs suffer damage much quicker

3. Poor Quality Parts: VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

Not all brake parts are equal.

Cheaper discs can:

  • Wear faster
  • Be more prone to cracking under stress

That’s why we always stick to reliable, quality parts.

4. General Wear and Driving Conditions

Stop-start driving, hills, and carrying loads all add to brake wear.

Around Halifax, with its steep roads and busy traffic, brakes do work harder than in flatter areas.

VW Tiguan with Braking Problem
old worn out disc and pads

🔧 The Repair: VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

In this case, the only safe option was the following:

Once completed, the Tiguan was back to braking properly—safe and ready for the road again.

📸 Another Job Recorded

As with all our work, we took photos of the worn and cracked discs before replacement.

It’s something we’ve always believed in:

  • Customers can see exactly what was wrong
  • Clear proof of the work carried out
  • Builds trust—something that matters more than ever

👍 A Timely Repair Before Easter

This was one of those jobs that came in at just the right time. With Easter trips coming up, the last thing anyone needs is braking trouble.

It’s a good reminder—if something doesn’t feel right when braking:

  • Don’t ignore it
  • Get it checked early

A Bit of Local Thought

We always notice a pattern this time of year—cars getting checked over before heading off, whether it’s a run to the coast or visiting family across Yorkshire.

And with the kind of hills we’ve got around Calderdale, your brakes really do take a hammering. Keeping them in top condition isn’t just maintenance—it’s essential.

Final Word: VW Tiguan with Braking Problem

Brakes are one thing you should never take chances with.

If you hear grinding, feel vibration, or the car just doesn’t stop like it should, get it looked at straight away.

At Pellon Tyres, we’ll always give you an honest assessment and get you safely back on the road.

Brakes Grinding Problem

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Brakes Grinding Problem

Brakes Grinding Problem
Brakes Grinding Problem

Brakes Grinding Problem

Brakes Grinding – Why You Should Never Ignore That Awful Noise

Every now and again, a car rolls into Pellon Tyre & Autocentre that genuinely makes you stop, stare, and wonder how on earth it was still moving. One unforgettable example was a Skoda that arrived with the driver casually saying, “My brakes feel a bit spongy.”
A bit spongy? When we whipped the wheels off, the front brake discs were completely shattered — broken into several pieces. It looked like someone had attacked them with a hammer. Honestly, I’ve been in the motor trade for decades, and this was one of the worst cases of brake neglect I’ve ever seen.

Believe me, letting your brakes reach that state isn’t just unwise — it’s downright dangerous. When brakes start grinding, they’re already crying out for help.

What Does Brake Grinding Actually Mean? Brakes Grinding Problem

If you’ve ever heard that horrible metal-on-metal scraping noise while slowing down, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s like dragging a shovel across concrete — enough to set your teeth on edge.

But grinding brakes aren’t just embarrassing. They’re warning you that something is badly worn or broken.

Common Reasons Brakes Start Grinding

Here are the main culprits we see daily in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and beyond:

1. Worn-Out Brake Pads

This is by far the most common reason. Brake pads naturally wear down over time. If they’re not checked regularly, the friction material disappears completely, leaving only the metal backing plate.
That metal then grinds directly onto your brake discs — which not only causes noise but also destroys the discs in no time.

2. Stones or Road Debris in the Caliper: Brakes Grinding Problem

Yorkshire’s roads aren’t the cleanest. One rogue stone flicked up from a pothole can lodge itself between the pad and disc, making an awful grinding or scraping sound.

3. Rust and Corrosion

With our damp weather and gritted winter roads, brake discs can corrode fairly quickly. Overnight moisture often creates surface rust, which can cause grinding until it wears away.
But if corrosion becomes severe, the disc surface becomes rough and uneven — and that’s when grinding turns into a permanent problem.

4. Damaged Brake Hardware

Springs, clips and slides can loosen or seize over time. When they fail, the pad doesn’t sit straight, and you get uneven wear and noise.

5. Faulty or Seized Callipers: Brakes Grinding Problem

If a calliper sticks, the pads can constantly rub on the disc — get too hot — and start grinding. Sometimes you’ll even smell burning.

How Grinding Brakes Affect Safety

Grinding isn’t just annoying; it seriously reduces your stopping power. You’ll experience:

  • longer braking distances
  • steering pull to one side
  • overheating brakes
  • risk of brake failure altogether

Not what you want when driving down the steep hills of Halifax or through tight bends in Hebden Bridge.

Ignoring grinding brakes is like ignoring chest pain — it won’t fix itself. It only gets worse.

Brake Grinding in Everyday UK Cars

We see it a lot on:

  • Ford Fiesta & Focus
  • Vauxhall Astra & Corsa
  • Peugeot 207/208
  • VW Golf & Polo

Particularly after winter, when potholes have had a good go at everything underneath.

Some cars still run rear drum brakes, too. A grinding noise from the back often means:

  • worn brake shoes
  • rust built up inside the drum
  • broken springs or adjusters

All simple fixes — as long as you don’t leave them until the parts are destroyed.

Brakes Grinding Problem
Brakes Grinding Problem

How We Diagnose Brakes Grinding Problem at Pellon Tyres

One of our favourite tricks is the Co-op car park test.
We take the customer’s car around the wide open area by the store in Pellon with the window down. At low speed, every creak, scrape and grind becomes crystal clear.

From there we can quickly work out whether it’s:

Most brake problems are solved the same day, and drivers leave absolutely gobsmacked at how quiet their car suddenly is.

Prevention: Stop Grinding Before It Starts

A little bit of TLC goes a very long way. Here’s what we always recommend:

  • Have your brakes checked at least once a year
  • Get noises investigated early
  • Avoid cheap, unbranded brake pads
  • Make sure your brake fluid is changed every 2–3 years
  • Keep an eye on dashboard warnings

It’s no different from checking the weather before heading to Blackpool—you avoid hassle by being prepared.

Final Thoughts – Don’t Ignore the Signs

If your brakes start grinding, don’t turn the radio up and pretend you didn’t hear it. It’s your car saying, “Help me!”

A quick inspection now could save you hundreds of pounds later — and more importantly, keep you and your family safe on our unpredictable Yorkshire roads.

And remember…
The only grinding noise you should hear on your travels is the coffee machine at your favourite café.

If your brakes are making odd noises, pop into Pellon Tyre & Autocentre, Halifax. We’ll sort you out and get you safely back on the road.

How Local Roads Make Brake Problems Worse

One thing many motorists don’t realise is just how much local driving conditions affect brake wear. Here in Halifax, with our steep hills, tight bends, and constant stop–start traffic, your brakes work twice as hard as they do in flatter parts of the UK.

Coming down the tops from Queensbury, Ripponden Bank, or even the hill into Sowerby Bridge puts enormous strain on discs and pads. If your brakes are already worn or low-quality, that extra heat buildup can finish them off pretty quickly.

It’s one of the reasons why we see so many grinding and screeching cases in our workshop — Yorkshire roads are stunning, but they’re brutal on braking systems!

Why Cheap Pads and Discs Can Cost More in the Long Run

Another point worth mentioning is the false economy of buying cheap no-name brake pads or discs. We’ve seen plenty over the years, and they often deteriorate far quicker than decent branded ones.

Some budget pads use hard, poor-quality materials that crumble or glaze under heat, which then causes even more grinding, vibration, and long stopping distances. When you compare that with a quality set fitted properly, the difference in safety — and lifespan — is massive.

Spending a little extra now can save you a fortune later, not to mention keeping you and your family safer on the road. At Pellon Tyres, we always recommend using trusted, well-made parts, because your brakes are the last thing you want to gamble with.