Here at A1 Diagnostics we handle all kinds of projects, from major engine overhauls to minor tweaks and routine checks. Each case receives the closest attention and care from our team of dedicated mechanics, as a recent customer at our garage can testify.

A Volkswagen Polo was brought into A1 Diagnostics in need of a breaks overhaul. Both brake discs and brake pads required careful attention – after all, these are some pretty crucial components! Here is the vehicle pictured below.

Brake discs and brake pads have minimum safety guidelines with which they must comply in order to maintain the best safety levels for drivers. Regular checks are conducted when a car has its annual MOT, and sometimes one or both components need replacing. Typically this will be because they have thinned as a result of wear from the breaking process, and they fall below the minimum safety thickness requirements.

Warping is another problem frequently encountered when reviewing brake discs and pads. Having warped brake elements can cause including metallic grinding noises when braking, making the steering wheel vibrate, and even increasing stopping distances for vehicles.
Brake pads themselves are made with a thin friction layer that wears down each time the vehicle’s brakes are deployed. When this layer becomes too thin, the metal backing begins to rub directly onto the metal brake disc, causing these metallic noises and interfering with stopping distances.

Replacing brake pads and discs is straightforward and low-cost. It’s tempting to opt for replacing just one or other of the two elements, but it’s actually best to change both at the same time. This is so that the wear incurred from braking will be even across both elements. Newer elements can be damaged by older components, particularly if they already have damage. For example, brake discs with ruts and grooves from heavy braking can cause rapid damage to new brake pads and make them thin more quickly. This quickly becomes a false economy, as the brake pads have to be replaced sooner.

Here at A1 Diagnostics we provide advice and guidance to vehicle owners to help them make the best possible choices for their car maintenance. Having all the relevant information helped this Volkswagen Polo owner decide to go with a dual replacement. We undertook the work and the Polo was ready for the road in no time!

If you are concerned about the status of your vehicles’ brakes, don’t wait for extra damage or unsafe thinning. Call our garage today and see how we can help!

A1-Diagnostics and ECU Repairs
64 Sloper Road
Leckwith,
Cardiff
CF11 8AB

Tel: 02920 220 380

Opening Times

Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 6:00pm

Email: info@a1-diagnostics.com