Brake service should not be delayed
The brake system is one of the car's most important safety systems - it determines how effectively and quickly the vehicle stops. Worn brake pads can increase braking distance by 30-40%. Because wear develops gradually, the driver often gets used to the changes and may fail to notice until it is too late.
Mr.Car provides complete brake system service: from scheduled brake pad and brake fluid replacement to ABS diagnostics and brake caliper repair. We identify exactly which work is actually required, so we do not replace parts that are still serviceable. We service disc and drum brake systems on all car makes.
Choose your vehicle's brake system type:
Why does the brake system fail?
This is the most common cause. In Tallinn city traffic, front brake pads usually last about 25,000-40,000 km. If less than 3 mm of friction material remains, the pads should be replaced.
De-icing agents used on Tallinn roads accelerate corrosion of calipers and wheel cylinders. If the car sits parked for several cold days, brakes can seize and pads may freeze to the disc or drum.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Within 1-2 years, water content can rise to 2-3%, which significantly lowers the boiling point. For DOT 4 fluid, it can drop from about 230 °C to around 155 °C. During hard braking, overheated fluid may boil, gas bubbles can form and the pedal may go to the floor.
Damaged dust boots, road salt and insufficient maintenance cause piston corrosion, so the brake pad stays pressed against the disc.
Cheap brake pads or replacing parts on only one side of the axle can cause disc warping and brake pedal vibration.
Main symptoms of brake system faults
Why should brake system service not be postponed?
A brake system fault is rarely confined to one part and can lead to more extensive damage over time.
Worn brake pads accelerate brake disc wear and increase the system's heat load. A seized brake caliper or worn caliper components can cause overheating, uneven braking and accelerated brake wear on one axle.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and loses resistance to high temperatures. During intensive braking this can reduce braking efficiency and change brake pedal feel and travel.
Brake fluid leaks, damaged dust boots, worn slider pins and corrosion of brake system components accelerate wear and reduce braking performance.
Timely diagnostics and service help keep the brake system reliable and prevent more complex and expensive repairs later.
How the work is done at Mr.Car
We check the remaining thickness of brake pads and discs, working surface condition, uniform wear and possible runout. We inspect calipers, slider pins and dust boots, and check that the pistons move freely. If needed, we perform electronic diagnostics of ABS and ESP systems and check brake fluid condition.
After diagnostics we explain which components need replacement or service. If parts are still within tolerance, we do not recommend unnecessary work. All work and costs are agreed before repair starts.
We replace worn or faulty components according to manufacturer technical requirements. We clean mounting surfaces, service caliper slider pins and use quality parts from recognised manufacturers. On vehicles with an electronic parking brake, the required service procedures are performed with diagnostic equipment.
After the work is complete, we check system tightness, correct brake mechanism operation and even braking. If needed, we bleed the brake system and replace brake fluid according to manufacturer requirements.
After replacing brake discs and pads, we explain how to bed in the new components correctly so they work properly and wear evenly.
Services and approximate prices
| Service | Price from |
|---|---|
| Initial brake diagnostics | 25 € |
| Brake pads replacement | 48 € |
| Brake disc and pad replacement | 70 € |
| Brake caliper replacement | 65 € |
| Brake caliper repair | 60 € |
| Brake fluid replacement | 43 € |
| Brake pipe fabrication and replacement | 43 € |
Prices apply to labour. For brake pads replacement and brake disc plus pad replacement, consumables are included. Parts are quoted separately and depend on the car make and model. The final cost is agreed before repair starts.
Disc brakes
Disc brakes are used on the front axle of most modern cars and on both axles of many passenger and commercial vehicles. This design provides effective heat dissipation, stable brake system operation and good resistance to overheating.
During service we check the remaining brake disc thickness, uniform wear, working surface condition and possible runout. All measurements are made according to the limits specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
Drum brakes
Drum brakes are still widely used on the rear axle of many city cars and on some commercial vehicles. The closed design helps protect components from dirt and road salt.
During service we check the condition of brake shoes, wheel cylinders, return springs and adjustment mechanisms. We pay special attention to system tightness and even brake operation on the same axle.
Customer reviews
Frequently asked questions
How often should brake pads be replaced?
Brake pad service life depends on driving style, vehicle weight, operating conditions and the quality of installed components. In city driving, front brake pads usually wear faster than rear pads.
During each service we recommend checking the remaining brake pad thickness, brake disc condition and evenness of brake component wear. If less than 3 mm of friction material remains, replacement should not be postponed.
We diagnose and service brake systems on BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Volvo, Kia, Hyundai, Skoda and other car makes.
Should brake discs and pads be replaced together?
Not always, but brake discs and pads must be assessed as one system.
During service we check the remaining disc thickness, working surface condition, uniform wear, overheating marks and runout. If the disc parameters remain within manufacturer limits, continued use may be allowed.
If measurements are out of spec due to significant wear or overheating, we recommend replacing brake discs in axle pairs so the brake system works consistently.
When brake discs are replaced, installing new brake pads is usually recommended. This ensures correct bedding-in, even braking and helps prevent vibration, noise and accelerated wear of the new discs.
How often should brake fluid be changed?
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and gradually loses resistance to high temperatures, which can affect brake system efficiency.
For most cars, brake fluid condition should be checked during scheduled maintenance and the fluid should be replaced about every 2 years or according to the vehicle manufacturer's service interval. Heavy use, frequent city driving or higher loads may require more frequent service.
During service we check brake fluid condition with a dedicated measuring device and also assess the general condition of brake system components.
Is it safe to drive with squeaking brakes?
Unusual noises do not always indicate an immediate critical fault, but brake squeaking or grinding should not be ignored.
Possible causes include brake pad wear, component overheating, dirt, corrosion or friction material properties. A metallic grinding noise often indicates critical brake pad wear and possible brake disc damage.
If unusual noises appear, we recommend checking the brake system as soon as possible.
The ABS light is on - how serious is it?
An ABS warning light indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system or related electronic components.
In most cases, the basic brake function remains, but ABS operation during emergency braking may be limited. On wet or slippery roads this can affect vehicle stability and control.
Possible causes include a faulty wheel speed sensor, damaged wiring, problems with the ABS unit or other electronic faults. Diagnostics are required to identify the exact cause.
How much does brake pads and discs replacement cost?
The cost depends on the car make, brake system design, selected components and the scope of work.
Service costs for Volkswagen, Skoda, Toyota, Ford, Kia, Hyundai and other common models usually differ from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche and other models with larger brake systems.
After diagnostics we prepare a transparent quote and agree the cost of parts and work before repair starts.
Do you need brake system diagnostics?
Unusual brake noises, vibration, a changed brake pedal travel or an ABS warning light can indicate a brake system fault.
We check brake component condition, perform diagnostics and agree the required work before repair starts.