Your vehicle’s braking system is essential to your safety - and yet many drivers don’t act on early signs of wear or faults. At James Dudley Auto Services in Normanton on Soar, we help drivers across Loughborough and surrounding villages stay safe on the road with expert brake checks and repairs. Here’s how to recognise common brake issues and what they usually mean.
1. Squealing or Screeching Noises
Cause: Worn brake pads
High-pitched noises when you press the brake pedal usually mean your brake pads are wearing thin. Most modern pads have wear indicators that make this sound on purpose to alert you before more serious damage occurs.
2. Grinding When Braking
Cause: Pads worn down to metal
A grinding sound means the pads are likely worn out and the backing plate is contacting the brake disc. This can severely damage the discs and lead to longer stopping distances — don’t ignore it.
3. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
Cause: Air in the brake lines or low brake fluid
If your brake pedal feels soft or goes further than usual before slowing the car, it could be due to old or contaminated brake fluid, or even a leak in the system.
4. Car Pulls to One Side When Braking
Cause: Seized caliper or uneven braking force
If your vehicle veers left or right under braking, you may have a stuck brake caliper, uneven pad wear, or differences in brake pressure between the wheels. It’s important to get this checked promptly.
5. Juddering or Vibrating When Braking
Cause: Warped brake discs
A shaking steering wheel or brake pedal could be a sign of warped or damaged brake discs — often caused by excessive heat from heavy braking or worn pads. This affects performance and should be addressed quickly.
6. Brake Warning Light On
Cause: Various system faults
If your dashboard brake warning light is on, it could indicate low brake fluid, a worn sensor, ABS fault, or hydraulic issue. We can run diagnostics to pinpoint the exact cause.
Brake Services at James Dudley Auto Services
We offer full brake inspections, maintenance, and repairs for all makes and models, including:
- Brake pad and disc replacement
- Brake fluid changes
- ABS fault diagnosis
- Brake caliper checks
We only use quality OE-spec parts and provide honest, clear advice so you understand what work is needed and why.
How Often Should Brakes Be Checked?
- Brake pads: Every 25,000–50,000 miles (or sooner if worn)
- Brake fluid: Every 2 years
- Brake discs: Typically every 50,000–70,000 miles, depending on driving style
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to check them over and advise — no obligation.
Book a Brake Check in Normanton on Soar
We’re based at Unit 1, Hathernware Industrial Estate, LE12 5EH and serve customers from Loughborough, East Leake, Sutton Bonington and the wider area.
Click here to book a brake inspection online or call us on 01509 646791.
James Dudley Auto Services – Brake repair and maintenance you can trust in Loughborough.
