Car Brakes & Brake Parts

About our range of Brakes

Find the correct brake parts to ensure your vehicle’s brakes work safely.

As one of the UK’s leading suppliers, we have an extensive selection of car brakes and brake parts online and in our 400+ Halfords garages nationwide.

We offer a wide range of brakes and brake parts from top brands, catering to different manufacturers, models, budgets, and requirements. Whether you need brake discs for your BMW or cylinders for your Honda Civic, you'll find exactly what you're looking for at Halfords.

When do car brakes need replacing?

Car brakes typically need replacing when the brake pads, discs, or other brake components become worn down or damaged. Brakes usually wear out at the front faster than the rear, but the exact timing for brake replacement can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and the type of brake components used. However, there are several indicators that suggest when it’s time to replace your car brakes:

• Squeaky brakes: If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when applying the brakes, it often indicates that the brake pads have worn down significantly. Brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that emits noise to alert you that they need replacing.
• High handbrake: A handbrake that requires excessive force or pulls up higher than usual can indicate a problem with the handbrake mechanism or the rear brake system. It may be due to worn brake shoes, stretched cables, or a malfunctioning handbrake lever.
• Soft brake pedal: A soft brake pedal that feels spongy or requires increased pressure to engage the brakes may indicate air in the brake lines, a brake fluid leak, or a problem with the master cylinder. This issue can compromise braking performance and should be addressed promptly.
• Sponginess: If the brake pedal feels sponge-like and lacks firmness, it is often caused by air or moisture in the brake lines. It can result from a brake fluid leak, worn seals, or improper brake bleeding. Sponginess affects brake responsiveness and should be resolved to ensure effective braking.
• Grinding: Grinding noises when applying the brakes can suggest that the brake pads have worn down completely and the metal backing is now making direct contact with the brake discs. This metal-on-metal contact can cause damage to the discs and significantly reduce braking performance.
• Pulsating: Pulsating or vibrating sensations felt through the brake pedal during braking usually indicate warped brake discs. Warping can occur due to excessive heat build-up, aggressive braking, or worn-out brake pads. It results in uneven contact between the brake pads and discs, leading to a pulsating feeling when braking.
• Car pulling to one side when braking: If your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes, it suggests an imbalance in brake pad wear or uneven brake fluid distribution. It could be due to issues such as a stuck calliper, unevenly worn brake pads or brake hose problems.
• Brake warning light on the dashboard: If the brake warning light on your dashboard illuminates, it indicates a potential problem with the brake system. It can be triggered by issues such as low brake fluid, worn brake pads, a malfunctioning ABS (anti-lock braking system), or an electrical fault. Prompt inspection is necessary to diagnose and address the underlying problem.

If you experience any of these brake problems, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure your safety and restore proper brake function.