Drivers face £700 charge 'before end of November' due to autumn check

Carlease.co.uk has recommended that drivers check one component before taking to the roads this autumn, which spans until the end of November.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Drivers have been warned to make one check in their car this autumn to stay safe on the roads. Carlease.co.uk has recommended that drivers check one component before taking to the roads this autumn, which spans until the end of November.

Carlease.co.uk warns drivers can reduce the risk of trouble by checking a number of components ahead of long journeys, particularly the brakes. They advised: "As a vital safety feature, it's crucial to ensure your brakes are always in top condition - especially during colder months where ice and road salt can deteriorate your braking system.

"Take your car for a test drive and pay attention to any excessive squealing and grinding. If the brakes feel ‘spongy’ or are slow to respond, it's a sign they need professional inspection and possibly replacement." They added: "Also check for wear on the brake pad lining and ensure the brake shoes haven't worn down below the manufacturer's recommended thickness, ideally 3mm."

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The cost to replace brake pads in the UK can range from £50 to £700, depending on several factors. They continued: "Nitrogen reduces the amount of pressure lost through rubber over time, allowing them to maintain the correct pressure. However, nitrogen tires are still affected by temperature changes so it is important to keep checking/adjusting them throughout the autumn and winter."

If your brake service warning light is always on, it could be due to a need for parking brake adjustment, worn brake pads, or hydraulic issues. If your brake service warning light turns on when you hit the pedal, it could be due to hydraulic loss on one side of your vehicle or low brake fluid in the master cylinder.

Continuing to drive for too long with the brake pad warning light on will mean that you run out of brake pad material and risk damaging the rotors. Along with this, having no brake pad material left will mean that the car will not stop as quickly, which can seriously increase your risk of a collision.