Invoice for MOT and full service

deanos

Well its not dangerous, i would say 10% or more and they need changing.

You may even have a warning light on the dash when they get low i know mine does, look in the handbook

BallandChain

Hang on! I do have a brake lamp warning light and my parking light has stayed lit up on the dash board. I mentioned this to the mechanic but he said it was the bulb holder that needed replacing. He was going to look at this again when it goes back in the garage. Maybe that's why the brake lamp warning light won't go off?

Rolandtheroadie

I change my brakes every time I hear the squeal of metal to metal when I brake. This has never been accompanied by a brake warning light.
Obviously if there is any change in pedal pressure etc, I'd check them too.
They passed an MOT, if there was a serious defect they wouldnt have. (Mot only valid when its done? yep, we all know that).
Remember also, 65% worn is a very accurate description. Did they remove all the pads, measure them and compare this to a new pad? Does the 65% include wear on the disc?
My pessimistic side says this is the new way to frighten people into getting unecessary work done. Not too in your face (like the windscreen adverts, dont drive with a chip in your windscreen as if you crash you'll die) but subtle, not too agressive, just enough to raise your fear level and spend money.

If you've never had the brakes done in 3 years, assuming 20% wear a year, I'd save up and get it done at MY convenience in a year or 2.

As far as the brake warning parking light is concerned, remove the cover on the handbrake and see if theres a wire attached to the handbrake somewhere (or lying off). Also check theres nothing preventing the handbrake from going down fully.

jeannieblue

How wise to wait until you hear the squeal of metal to metal on your brakes............... so much can be learnt from this practice.

Rolandtheroadie

I've learned a lot from noises over the years. You always remember if you experience it yourself. Yes, the first time you'll ruin the discs, but after that, you'll change them.
Its like the time a wheel fell off my Talbot Samba. It's never happened to me since although I've stopped and re-tightened bolts twice as I had heard a similar noise after having tyres changed (within the 50 miles that is recommended).

jeannieblue

I am sure that if that method works for you, it will work for everyone else.

Personally, I would just get my brakes checked regularly. But hey, that's me!

PS: What the hell is a Samba?? Heard of Talbot.........

Rolandtheroadie

The squealing brakes is more an attempt at some light relief so to speak. It's something I went through with a 1991 Astra that needed pads every 6 months which is within any service or MOT times. I became an expert, taking around 15 mins a side to replace them (veco I believe the pads were, dont know if they are still around)

A Talbot Samba? I had one when I met the wife. First car I ever had with electric windows (even although they fell out when you put them down lol).
GLS 1.4, top of the range, left Ford orions for dead.
I STILL hanker after the cabriolet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Talbot-samba-roller-40k-miles_W0QQitemZ330325351004QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item330325351004&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

goldspanners

jeannieblue wrote: »

PS: What the hell is a Samba?? Heard of Talbot.........

acting as if you didnt know!
you must remember these from your younger days, even i do.

i prefered the sunbeam lotus, they hold thier money really well, well a good one anyway.and rare as hens teeth.

jeannieblue

scotsman4th wrote: »

The squealing brakes is more an attempt at some light relief so to speak. It's something I went through with a 1991 Astra that needed pads every 6 months which is within any service or MOT times. I became an expert, taking around 15 mins a side to replace them (veco I believe the pads were, dont know if they are still around)

A Talbot Samba? I had one when I met the wife. First car I ever had with electric windows (even although they fell out when you put them down lol).
GLS 1.4, top of the range, left Ford orions for dead.
I STILL hanker after the cabriolet

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Talbot-samba-roller-40k-miles_W0QQitemZ330325351004QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item330325351004&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A7%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Now if you could've been hankering after a Ford Capri - I could understand............. struggling with the Samba - but guess its an emotional bond you have there.

BallandChain

I loved driving the Ford Capri!