Understanding Results

MOT Brake Failure: What to Expect & Repair Costs 2025

Failed MOT on brakes? Complete guide to brake defects, repair costs (£60-£600 per axle), dangerous vs major failures, and how brake testing works in 2025.

Published: January 22, 2025
21 min read

MOT Brake Failure: What to Expect & Repair Costs 2025

Brake-related defects are the second most common cause of MOT failures in the UK, accounting for approximately 21% of all defects found during testing. In 2024 alone, over 7 million vehicles had brake issues identified during their MOT, with around 3.5 million failing purely due to brake problems.

The good news? Most brake failures are predictable, preventable, and have relatively standardized repair costs. This comprehensive guide explains exactly what MOT testers check, the difference between dangerous and major brake defects, typical repair costs for every type of brake failure, and how to check your brakes yourself before the test.

Quick Summary: Brake Repair Costs 2025

Brake IssueTypical Cost (Per Axle)UrgencyDIY Possible?
Brake pads (front)£60-£150HighAdvanced DIY
Brake pads (rear)£50-£120HighAdvanced DIY
Brake discs (front)£200-£400HighAdvanced DIY
Brake discs (rear)£150-£350HighAdvanced DIY
Brake fluid change£40-£80MediumDIY possible
Brake pipes (corrosion)£80-£200 per pipeCriticalNo - professional
Brake hoses (flexible)£50-£120 per hoseCriticalAdvanced DIY
Handbrake adjustment£40-£100MediumDIY possible
Brake caliper (seized)£150-£350 eachHighAdvanced DIY

Average total brake repair cost to pass MOT: £180-£450 (front pads + discs on one axle)

Understanding MOT Brake Testing

The MOT brake test is comprehensive and scientific, measuring actual braking performance rather than just visual inspection.

What Gets Tested

1. Service Brake (Foot Brake) Testing Your vehicle is driven onto a roller brake tester (RBT) which measures:

  • Braking force on each wheel
  • Brake balance (left vs right comparison)
  • Brake efficiency (total braking performance)
  • Brake imbalance (must be less than 30% difference between sides)

Pass Requirements:

  • Cars/light vans: Minimum 50% brake efficiency
  • Brake balance: Less than 30% difference side-to-side
  • No locked wheels during test
  • No excessive judder or vibration

2. Parking Brake (Handbrake) Testing

  • Tested on same roller brake tester
  • Minimum requirement: 16% efficiency for cars
  • Must hold vehicle on gradient
  • Must operate smoothly without excessive force

3. Visual Inspection The tester physically inspects:

  • Brake pipes for corrosion, damage, leaks
  • Flexible hoses for perishing, bulging, cracking
  • Brake fluid level and condition
  • Brake pad thickness (must have visible material)
  • Disc condition (scoring, cracking, excessive wear)
  • Caliper condition (leaks, seized pistons)
  • ABS warning light operation

4. Road Test Checks

  • Brake pedal feel and travel
  • ABS operation (if fitted)
  • Pulling to one side when braking
  • Unusual noises or vibrations

Defect Categories

Dangerous Defects (Immediate Failure):

  • Brake efficiency below 50%
  • Brake imbalance over 30%
  • Brake pipes severely corroded or leaking
  • No brake fluid
  • Excessive brake pedal travel
  • Seized brakes

Major Defects (Failure):

  • Brake pads worn below minimum thickness
  • Discs excessively scored or worn
  • Brake hoses perished or damaged
  • Brake fluid contaminated
  • Handbrake efficiency below 16%
  • Minor brake pipe corrosion

Minor Defects (Advisory Only):

  • Brake pads getting thin (but above limit)
  • Light surface rust on discs
  • Brake fluid slightly dirty
  • Handbrake requires high effort

Common Brake Failures: Causes & Costs

1. Worn Brake Pads

Failure Rate: ~35% of all brake-related MOT failures

How MOT Tests Check

  • Visual inspection through wheel
  • Minimum thickness: 1.5mm of friction material
  • Uneven wear patterns
  • Contamination (oil, grease)

Why They Fail

Brake pads are consumable items that wear down through normal use:

  • City driving: Pads last 25,000-40,000 miles
  • Motorway driving: Pads last 40,000-70,000 miles
  • Aggressive driving: Pads can wear in 15,000-20,000 miles

Symptoms Before Failure

  • Squealing or grinding noise when braking
  • Reduced braking performance
  • Brake warning light (on some vehicles)
  • Vibration through brake pedal
  • Longer stopping distances

Repair Costs

Front Brake Pads:

  • Budget option: £60-£100 (standard pads + labour)
  • Mid-range: £100-£150 (quality branded pads)
  • Performance/Premium: £150-£250 (ceramic/low-dust pads)

Rear Brake Pads:

  • Budget option: £50-£90
  • Mid-range: £90-£120
  • Performance/Premium: £120-£200

Breakdown:

  • Parts (pad set): £20-£80
  • Labour: 1-1.5 hours (£40-£120)
  • Brake fluid top-up: Usually included

⚠️ Important: Always replace pads in axle sets (both sides), never just one side.

DIY vs Garage

DIY Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

  • Requires basic tools + brake piston rewind tool
  • Must clean and lubricate slide pins
  • Brake fluid system must not be opened
  • Check discs for wear simultaneously
  • Time: 1-2 hours per axle
  • Savings: £40-£100

When to use garage:

  • First time doing brakes
  • Seized caliper slide pins
  • Brake warning light on
  • Lack of proper tools

2. Worn or Damaged Brake Discs

Failure Rate: ~25% of all brake-related MOT failures

MOT Test Standards

Discs fail if they have:

  • Cracks (any crack = failure)
  • Excessive scoring/grooves (depth >1mm typically)
  • Excessive wear (below minimum thickness)
  • Severe corrosion
  • Heat spots or warping

Minimum disc thickness varies by vehicle:

  • Check manufacturer specifications
  • Often stamped on disc edge
  • Typically 2-3mm wear allowed from new

Why They Fail

  • Normal wear: Discs wear alongside pads
  • Neglect: Worn pads damage discs (metal-to-metal contact)
  • Corrosion: Surface rust from standing/low use
  • Heat damage: Warping from excessive braking
  • Age: Even unused discs corrode over 10+ years

Symptoms

  • Vibration/pulsing through brake pedal
  • Squealing or grinding noise
  • Reduced braking efficiency
  • Visible grooves or scoring
  • Blue heat spots on disc surface

Repair Costs

Front Brake Discs:

  • Standard discs: £80-£150 (pair + labour)
  • Premium discs: £150-£250
  • Performance (drilled/grooved): £200-£400

Rear Brake Discs:

  • Standard discs: £70-£120 (pair + labour)
  • Premium discs: £120-£200
  • Performance: £180-£350

Combined Pads + Discs (Most Common):

  • Front axle: £200-£400 total
  • Rear axle: £150-£350 total
  • All four wheels: £400-£800

Breakdown:

  • Discs (pair): £40-£200
  • Pads (set): £20-£80
  • Labour: 1.5-2.5 hours (£60-£200)
  • Brake fluid: £10-£20

When to Replace Discs vs Pads Only

Replace discs if:

  • Below minimum thickness
  • Visible cracks or severe scoring
  • Warped (vibration when braking)
  • Excessive surface rust
  • Over 70,000-80,000 miles

Pads only if:

  • Discs above minimum thickness
  • No scoring deeper than 1mm
  • No cracks or heat damage
  • Light surface rust only
  • Below 60,000 miles typically

Professional tip: If replacing pads and discs are marginal, replace both. Labour cost is the same, and you'll need discs soon anyway.

3. Brake Pipe Corrosion

Failure Rate: ~15% of brake failures (but CRITICAL safety issue)

MOT Test Standards

Brake pipes fail if:

  • Severe corrosion (more than light surface rust)
  • Any corrosion within 30cm of flexible hose connection
  • Leaks (any brake fluid leakage)
  • Damage (kinks, splits, chafing)
  • Non-approved repairs (compression fittings not allowed)

Why They Fail

Brake pipes (rigid metal lines) run underneath the vehicle:

  • Salt exposure (winter gritting)
  • Water and debris accumulation
  • Age (vehicles 10+ years particularly vulnerable)
  • Poor previous repairs
  • Stone chip damage

High-risk areas:

  • Along chassis rails
  • Near exhaust (heat + moisture)
  • Wheel arch areas (stone chips)
  • Connections to flexible hoses

Symptoms

  • Spongy brake pedal
  • Brake fluid leaks (check ground where parked)
  • Falling brake fluid level
  • Brake warning light
  • Reduced braking performance
  • Visible corrosion on pipes

Repair Costs

Single Brake Pipe Replacement:

  • Short run (0.5-1m): £80-£150
  • Long run (1-2m): £120-£200
  • Complex routing: £150-£250

Multiple Pipes:

  • Two pipes: £200-£350
  • Complete brake line renewal: £400-£800

Breakdown:

  • Pre-formed brake pipe: £20-£60 each
  • Fittings and unions: £10-£30
  • Brake fluid: £10-£20
  • Labour: 1-3 hours (£50-£240)
  • Brake bleeding: Included

⚠️ Critical: Brake pipe failures are dangerous defects. Vehicle cannot be driven legally except directly to repair garage.

DIY vs Professional

DIY: Not recommended unless experienced

  • Requires pipe flaring tools (£50-£200)
  • Brake bleeding essential
  • Safety-critical component
  • Difficult routing under vehicle
  • Risk of air in brake system

Professional only for:

  • Multiple pipe replacement
  • ABS-equipped vehicles
  • Complex routing
  • Lack of experience with brakes

Prevention:

  • Annual underbody inspection
  • Treat with corrosion protection
  • Keep brake system clean
  • Address rust early

4. Perished Brake Hoses

Failure Rate: ~8% of brake failures

MOT Test Standards

Flexible brake hoses fail if:

  • External perishing (cracks in rubber)
  • Bulging under pressure
  • Chafing or damage
  • Leaking at connections
  • Contamination (oil, grease)
  • Incorrect routing (rubbing on tyre/suspension)

Why They Fail

Flexible hoses connect rigid pipes to brake calipers/wheel cylinders:

  • Age: Rubber degrades over 8-10 years
  • Heat: Near exhaust or brakes
  • Movement: Constant flexing with suspension
  • Contamination: Oil damage from leaks
  • UV exposure: Sun degrades rubber

Symptoms

  • Spongy brake pedal feel
  • Brake fluid leaks at wheel
  • Brake drag (seized hose)
  • Uneven braking
  • Visible cracks or bulging

Repair Costs

Per Brake Hose:

  • Standard hose: £50-£90 (parts + labour)
  • Braided performance hose: £80-£150

Multiple Hoses:

  • Front pair: £80-£150
  • All four wheels: £180-£350

Breakdown:

  • Flexible hose: £15-£50 each
  • Labour: 30-45 mins per hose (£25-£60)
  • Brake fluid: £10-£20
  • Bleeding: Included

Worth Upgrading?

Braided stainless steel hoses (£80-£150 per axle):

Pros:

  • Firmer brake pedal feel
  • Longer lasting (10+ years)
  • Better brake modulation
  • Won't perish or bulge

Cons:

  • More expensive initially
  • Overkill for normal driving
  • No performance gain for road cars

Verdict: Stick with OEM rubber for normal use. Braided only for performance/track cars.

5. Low Brake Efficiency

Failure Rate: ~12% of brake failures

MOT Standards

Total brake efficiency must be:

  • Minimum 50% for cars and light vans
  • Minimum 25% for parking brake

Efficiency = (Total brake force ÷ Vehicle weight) × 100

Example:

  • Vehicle weight: 1,200kg
  • Total brake force: 700kg
  • Efficiency: (700 ÷ 1,200) × 100 = 58.3% (PASS)

If brake force is only 550kg:

  • Efficiency: (550 ÷ 1,200) × 100 = 45.8% (FAIL)

Causes of Low Efficiency

  • Worn pads/shoes: Most common cause
  • Contaminated pads: Oil, brake fluid, grease
  • Seized calipers: Not releasing properly
  • Air in system: Spongy pedal
  • Brake fluid issues: Old, contaminated, or wrong type
  • Worn discs: Below minimum thickness
  • Seized handbrake: Cable or mechanism stuck

Repair Approach

Diagnostics needed to identify cause:

  1. Check pad thickness
  2. Inspect for contamination
  3. Test caliper operation
  4. Check brake fluid
  5. Bleed brake system if needed

Costs vary by cause:

  • Pads only: £60-£150
  • Contamination (pads + discs): £200-£400
  • Seized caliper: £150-£350
  • Brake fluid change: £40-£80
  • Complete overhaul: £400-£800

6. Brake Imbalance

Failure Rate: ~10% of brake failures

MOT Standards

Imbalance between left and right wheels must be:

  • Less than 30% difference per axle

Example:

  • Left front: 280kg braking force
  • Right front: 220kg braking force
  • Difference: 60kg
  • Percentage: (60 ÷ 280) × 100 = 21.4% (PASS)

If right front is only 180kg:

  • Difference: 100kg
  • Percentage: (100 ÷ 280) × 100 = 35.7% (FAIL)

Causes

  • Seized caliper: One side not braking properly
  • Contaminated pad: One side reduced friction
  • Worn pad: One side thinner than other
  • Seized slide pin: Caliper not applying evenly
  • Air in system: Usually one side
  • Incorrect pad type: Mismatched friction materials

Symptoms

  • Car pulls to one side when braking
  • Uneven pad wear
  • Squealing from one wheel
  • Brake judder

Repair Costs

Seized Caliper:

  • Refurbishment: £100-£200
  • New caliper: £150-£350 (inc. labour)

Contaminated Brake:

  • New pads + disc one side: £100-£200
  • Both sides (recommended): £200-£400

Seized Slide Pins:

  • Clean and lubricate: £40-£80
  • Replace caliper carrier: £100-£200

Prevention: Always replace brake pads in axle sets (both sides), never one side only.

7. Handbrake (Parking Brake) Failure

Failure Rate: ~8% of brake failures

MOT Standards

Parking brake must achieve:

  • Minimum 16% efficiency for cars
  • Hold vehicle on 1-in-6 gradient (16.6%)
  • Operate smoothly without excessive force
  • Secure with reasonable number of clicks (typically 3-7 clicks)

Common Causes

Cable-Operated Handbrakes:

  • Stretched or seized cable (£50-£120 replacement)
  • Corroded mechanism (£40-£100 clean/adjust)
  • Worn rear brake shoes (drum brakes: £80-£150)
  • Worn rear pads (disc brakes: £50-£120)

Electronic Parking Brakes (EPB):

  • Faulty motor (£200-£500)
  • Seized caliper (£150-£350)
  • Electrical fault (£80-£200 diagnostic + repair)
  • Software issue (£40-£100 reset)

Symptoms

  • Handbrake requires excessive clicks
  • Won't hold on hill
  • Handbrake warning light
  • Cable feels loose or tight
  • EPB error message

Repair Costs

Cable Handbrake:

  • Cable replacement: £50-£120
  • Adjustment only: £20-£50
  • Rear brake shoes (drums): £80-£150
  • Rear pads (discs): £50-£120

Electronic Parking Brake:

  • Caliper motor: £200-£500
  • Module replacement: £300-£600
  • Diagnostics + reset: £40-£100
  • Cable (some EPB types): £80-£150

DIY Handbrake Adjustment: Possible on many vehicles with cable systems:

  1. Locate adjuster (under vehicle or in cabin)
  2. Turn adjustment nut to tighten cable
  3. Test: Should engage in 3-7 clicks
  4. Verify holds on gradient
  5. Time: 15-30 minutes
  6. Cost: £0 (if just adjustment needed)

8. ABS Warning Light

Failure Rate: ~5% of brake failures

MOT Standards

If ABS is fitted:

  • Warning light must illuminate with ignition on
  • Must extinguish within a few seconds of starting
  • Must not illuminate during test
  • ABS must function correctly

An illuminated ABS light = Automatic MOT failure

Common Causes

  • ABS sensor failure: £80-£200 per sensor
  • Wiring damage: £50-£150 repair
  • ABS pump failure: £400-£1,200 (often rebuild available)
  • Wheel bearing with sensor: £150-£350
  • Low brake fluid: £40-£80 (top-up + system check)
  • Faulty ABS module: £300-£800 (recon available)

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on
  • ABS not engaging when braking
  • Pulsing brake pedal (fault, not normal ABS)
  • Warning light intermittent

Repair Costs

  • Wheel speed sensor: £80-£200 (most common)
  • Sensor wiring repair: £50-£150
  • Wheel bearing + sensor: £150-£350
  • ABS pump rebuild: £400-£800
  • New ABS pump: £600-£1,200
  • ABS module: £300-£800 (recon), £500-£1,500 (new)

Diagnostics essential: £40-£80 to identify exact fault

How Brake Testing Works: The Process

1. Roller Brake Tester (RBT)

  • Vehicle driven onto rolling platform
  • Each axle tested separately
  • Rollers spin under wheels
  • Brakes applied, force measured
  • Computer calculates efficiency and balance

2. Decelerometer (Alternative)

Some test stations use road test with decelerometer:

  • Device measures actual deceleration
  • Vehicle driven to 20mph
  • Brakes applied firmly
  • Deceleration rate measured
  • Must achieve minimum standards

3. Visual Inspection

Tester checks underneath vehicle:

  • Brake pipes for corrosion
  • Flexible hoses for condition
  • Brake fluid level and colour
  • Visible pad thickness through wheel
  • Caliper condition
  • Damage to components

4. Handbrake Test

  • Applied on roller brake tester, or
  • Tested on gradient (1-in-6 slope), or
  • Measured with handheld device

DIY Brake Checks Before MOT

1. Visual Inspection (5 minutes)

Check through wheel spokes:

  • Brake pad thickness (minimum 3mm recommended)
  • Disc condition (no deep grooves or cracks)
  • Brake hoses (no cracks or bulges)
  • Brake fluid level (in reservoir under bonnet)

2. Test Drive (10 minutes)

On quiet road:

  • Brake from 30mph - should pull up straight
  • No vibration or judder
  • Brake pedal feels firm, not spongy
  • No unusual noises (grinding, squealing)
  • Handbrake holds on hill

3. Under-Vehicle Inspection (15 minutes)

Safely raise vehicle or inspect at garage:

  • Brake pipes - no corrosion or leaks
  • Flexible hoses - no perishing
  • Brake fluid leaks - check around wheels
  • Handbrake cable - not seized or frayed

⚠️ If you find any issues, get professional inspection before MOT.

Cost-Saving Strategies

1. Pre-MOT Inspection

Many garages offer pre-MOT checks (£20-£40):

  • Identifies issues before official test
  • Gives time to shop around for repairs
  • Avoids MOT failure fee

Typical saving: £50-£200 (finding cheaper repair options)

2. Independent Specialists vs Main Dealers

Independent Brake Specialist:

  • Front pads + discs: £200-£300
  • Better value than main dealers
  • Often use quality aftermarket parts

Main Dealer:

  • Front pads + discs: £350-£600
  • OEM parts only
  • Higher labour rates (£80-£150/hour vs £50-£90)

Fast-Fit Chains (Kwik Fit, National, etc.):

  • Competitive pricing
  • Regular offers
  • Variable quality
  • Get written quote first

Typical saving: £100-£300 using independent vs dealer

3. Part Quality Considerations

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer):

  • Exact fit guaranteed
  • Often made by same manufacturer as original
  • Most expensive option
  • Best for: Premium/luxury vehicles

Branded Aftermarket (Brembo, Pagid, Ferodo, TRW):

  • High quality, sometimes better than OEM
  • Good warranty
  • Mid-price range
  • Best for: Most vehicles - best value

Budget Aftermarket:

  • Basic quality
  • Shorter lifespan
  • Cheap initial cost
  • Best for: Vehicles near end of life only

Recommendation: Use branded aftermarket parts for best value/quality balance.

4. Timing Your Repairs

Book MOT 1 month early:

  • Current MOT still valid (legal to drive)
  • Time to shop around for repairs
  • Can retest within 10 days for free
  • Avoid March/September price hikes

Typical saving: £20-£100 (avoiding peak pricing)

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Always get 3 quotes for brake work:

  • Prices vary by 50%+ for identical work
  • Specify exact parts wanted
  • Get written quotes including VAT
  • Check what's included (pads both sides? Fluid change?)

Example pricing variation (front pads + discs):

  • Main dealer: £550
  • Independent specialist: £280
  • Fast-fit chain: £320
  • Mobile mechanic: £240

Saving: Up to £300 for same work

When to Walk Away vs Repair

The Decision Framework

Consider total vehicle value vs repair cost:

Worth repairing if:

  • Brake repair < 30% of vehicle value
  • Vehicle otherwise in good condition
  • Recent service/other repairs done
  • Low mileage for year
  • Planning to keep 2+ years

Consider scrapping if:

  • Brake repair > 50% of vehicle value
  • Other major faults present
  • High mileage with no service history
  • Significant rust or structural issues
  • Planning to replace soon anyway

Examples:

Scenario 1:

  • 2015 Ford Fiesta, value £4,500
  • Needs front pads + discs: £250
  • Percentage: 5.6% of value
  • Verdict: Repair - Economic and prevents bigger issues

Scenario 2:

  • 2008 Vauxhall Astra, value £1,200
  • Needs complete brake overhaul: £800
  • Percentage: 66% of value
  • Plus advisories for other work
  • Verdict: Consider scrapping - Not economic

Scenario 3:

  • 2012 VW Golf, value £5,000
  • Needs rear calipers + hoses: £400
  • Percentage: 8% of value
  • Full service history, good condition
  • Verdict: Repair - Worthwhile investment

Additional Factors

Don't forget to include:

  • MOT retest fee (if needed)
  • Other known faults
  • Advisory items that will fail next year
  • Ongoing running costs

Future-proofing: If repairing, ask garage:

  • Are other brake components near end of life?
  • Any advisories worth addressing now?
  • Expected lifespan of new parts?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do brake pads last?

Typical lifespan:

  • Front pads: 30,000-50,000 miles (city driving)
  • Front pads: 50,000-70,000 miles (motorway driving)
  • Rear pads: 50,000-80,000 miles (last 2x longer than fronts)

Factors affecting lifespan:

  • Driving style (aggressive = shorter life)
  • Vehicle weight (heavier = more wear)
  • Pad material (ceramic lasts longer)
  • Terrain (hills = more braking)

Can I drive with failed brake MOT?

No. Brake failures are typically dangerous defects:

  • Cannot drive except directly to pre-booked repair
  • Risk prosecution if caught
  • Insurance may be void
  • Serious safety risk

Exception: If existing MOT is still valid, you can drive until expiry date.

Should I replace pads and discs together?

Best practice: Yes, if discs are worn or marginal

Replace both if:

  • Discs near minimum thickness
  • Discs scored or warped
  • Mileage over 70,000 miles
  • False economy to replace pads only

Pads only if:

  • Discs well above minimum thickness
  • No scoring or damage
  • Low mileage vehicle
  • Recent disc replacement

Reason: Labour cost is the same. If discs fail in 6 months, you pay labour twice.

How long do brake repairs take?

Typical times:

  • Brake pads only: 1-1.5 hours
  • Pads + discs: 2-3 hours
  • Single brake pipe: 1-2 hours
  • Complete brake overhaul: 4-6 hours
  • Handbrake cable: 1-2 hours

Most brake jobs can be done same day or next day.

Will brakes pass MOT with advisory from last year?

Maybe. Depends on progression:

Previous advisory: "Brake pads wearing thin"

  • If now at minimum thickness = FAIL
  • If still above minimum = PASS (advisory again)

Time since advisory matters:

  • 12 months + 10,000 miles = Likely failed now
  • 12 months + 2,000 miles = Might still pass

Get pre-MOT check if you had brake advisories.

Can I fit performance brake pads for MOT?

Yes, but be careful:

Acceptable:

  • Road-legal performance pads
  • Must meet friction standards
  • Both sides must match
  • E-marked pads preferred

Will fail if:

  • Track-only pads (poor cold performance)
  • Different pads left vs right
  • Non-approved materials
  • Excessive dust/noise (tester discretion)

Best choice: Stick with OEM or quality road pads (Pagid, Ferodo, Brembo, TRW).

Are brake fluid changes required for MOT?

No, but condition is checked:

Fluid fails if:

  • Below minimum level
  • Heavily contaminated (black/brown)
  • Moisture content too high (tester discretion)
  • Leaking from reservoir

Recommendation:

  • Change brake fluid every 2 years
  • Prevents internal corrosion
  • Maintains pedal feel
  • Prevents boiling under hard braking

Cost: £40-£80 (quick job, good preventative maintenance)

Do electric cars have brake MOT failures?

Yes, but less frequently:

Electric vehicles use regenerative braking:

  • Conventional brakes used less
  • Brake components last 2-3x longer
  • But can still fail MOT if neglected

Common EV brake issues:

  • Seized calipers (from low use)
  • Corroded discs (surface rust from standing)
  • Perished hoses (age, not use)

EV brake maintenance: Monthly hard braking to prevent seizing.

What's a brake efficiency reading of 58% mean?

Brake efficiency explained:

  • Percentage of vehicle weight that braking force represents
  • 50%+ = PASS (legal minimum for cars)
  • 60-80% = GOOD (typical healthy brakes)
  • 80%+ = EXCELLENT (new brakes, sports cars)

Your reading of 58%:

  • Legal and safe
  • Brakes working adequately
  • Room for wear before failure
  • Likely no immediate action needed

Concern if:

  • Below 55% - Brakes wearing, check soon
  • Below 52% - Will fail soon, repair needed
  • Below 50% - Failed, cannot drive

Conclusion: Making Informed Brake Repair Decisions

Brake failures are serious but predictable. Following this guide helps you:

  1. Understand what failed - Get specific defect information
  2. Get accurate quotes - Know typical costs for your issue
  3. Make economic decisions - Repair vs scrap analysis
  4. Prevent future failures - Regular checks and maintenance

Quick Action Plan

If you failed on brakes:

  1. Get written MOT failure certificate (shows exact defects)
  2. Obtain 3 written quotes from different garages
  3. Compare costs vs vehicle value (use 30% rule)
  4. Check for other advisories to address simultaneously
  5. Book repair and arrange retest within 10 working days

Typical costs to expect:

  • Front pads only: £60-£150
  • Front pads + discs: £200-£400
  • Complete brake service: £400-£800

Remember:

  • Brake repairs are safety-critical - don't skip or delay
  • Use reputable garages with good reviews
  • Always replace in axle sets, never one side only
  • Get warranty on parts and labour

Prevention is cheaper than cure:

  • Check brakes every 6 months
  • Address grinding noises immediately
  • Replace brake fluid every 2 years
  • Pre-MOT inspection 2-4 weeks before test

Check your MOT history now to see previous brake advisories and predict future failures.