If you’re hearing a grinding or rattling noise when you hit the brakes, it’s definitely cause for concern. Your car’s braking system is critical for your safety on the road, so any unusual noises should be investigated right away. In this post, I’ll break down the common causes of noisy brakes, what’s involved in getting them fixed, and why My Auto Shop is your best bet for brake repairs in New Zealand.
Symptoms and causes of noisy brakes
Squealing, grinding, and rattling are the most common brake noises that indicate a problem. Squealing usually means your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced. You might also have brake dust or debris stuck between the pads and rotors.
Grinding is more serious – it means your brake pads are badly worn and metal is rubbing on metal. This can quickly damage your rotors. Rattling or vibrating often points to warped rotors, missing hardware, or a faulty calliper.
Other red flags include:
- Brake warning light on the dash;
- “Soft” or spongy brake pedal;
- Leaking brake fluid;
- Car pulling to one side when braking.
If you notice any of these symptoms along with the noise, get your brakes checked out ASAP. Ignoring the problem will only lead to more damage and expensive repairs down the road.
What happens during a brake repair?
When you bring your car in for a brake inspection, the mechanic will:
- Thoroughly examine the entire braking system, including pads, rotors, callipers, brake fluid, lines and hoses.
- Measure the brake pad and rotor thickness to see how much life is left.
- Check the callipers and brake hardware for uneven wear, leaks, or sticking.
- Inspect the brake fluid condition and top it up if needed.
- Road test the vehicle to check braking performance and listen for noises.
Based on the inspection, the mechanic will recommend the necessary repairs. For minor issues, you may just need the rotors resurfaced and the brake pads replaced. More extensive work could involve replacing calipers, hoses, or even flushing the brake fluid.
Brake repair costs in New Zealand
So how much will it set you back to fix those noisy brakes? For a standard passenger car, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 to replace the front brake pads. Rear brakes are often cheaper since they do less work. Resurfacing or replacing the rotors will cost extra.
Prices are higher for SUVs, trucks, luxury vehicles and sports cars – brake pad replacement can run $250 to $500+ for these. European models also tend to have more expensive parts than Japanese or Korean cars.
Keep in mind, that these are just estimates. The final cost will depend on your specific make and model, the condition of the braking system, and any other repairs needed. But investing in quality brake parts now can save you money on premature wear in the long run.
Why choose My Auto Shop for brake repairs?
When it comes to something as critical as your brakes, you want to know your car is in qualified hands. Here’s why My Auto Shop should be your go-to for brake work:
- Convenience: Our mobile mechanics will come to you, so you can get your brakes fixed without leaving home or work. Perfect if you have a busy schedule.
- Transparent pricing: We offer upfront quotes for all services, so there are no surprises when you get the bill. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Qualified technicians: All our mechanics have 5+ years of experience and MITO/Unitec qualifications. They’ll get the job done right the first time.
- Quality parts: We only use high-quality brake pads, rotors and components for safe, reliable braking and longer service life. No cheap, short-lived parts here.
- Excellent reputation: With a 4.9/5 star rating from over 4000 reviews, My Auto Shop is one of New Zealand’s most trusted mobile mechanics. Just check out what customers are saying on Trustpilot.
So if your brakes are grinding, squealing or rattling, don’t ignore it – get in touch with My Auto Shop for a quick, convenient and affordable brake repair. Your safety is worth it!