Car Brakes - Ewhurst, Gatwick & Cranleigh

Your brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle, and keeping them in good condition isn’t something to leave to chance.

Brake components wear gradually, which means deterioration can be hard to notice day to day, and by the time performance feels noticeably reduced, the system may already be well past the point at which it should have been serviced.

At CCM, we carry out brake inspections, servicing, and repairs across all makes and models. Most brake issues can be diagnosed and resolved on the same day, and the more information you can give us about what you’re experiencing, the quicker we can get to the bottom of it.

Common brake problems and what causes them

Soft, spongy, or mushy pedal feel

A pedal that feels soft or gives too easily is one of the more unsettling brake symptoms, and it usually points to one of the following:

Air in the brake line, or a damaged line – the hydraulic system relies on even pressure distribution, and air disrupts that.
Old or contaminated brake fluid, or insufficient fluid – brake fluid is what converts pedal pressure into stopping force, and if it’s degraded or low, braking performance suffers.
Damaged or leaking brake cylinders – if the pedal travels all the way to the floor, fluid isn’t circulating as it should.
Faulty brake callipers – callipers endure enormous heat during braking, and when they begin to fail, a soft pedal is often accompanied by the car pulling to one side and a high-pitched squeal.

Noise when braking

Any unusual noise from your brakes is worth taking seriously. Common causes include:

Grinding or metal-on-metal noise – typically indicates worn brake pads. Each time you brake, a small amount of pad material is worn away, and when the pad wears through, the metal backing contacts the disc directly. Brake pad replacement is a routine job and usually quick to carry out.
Squealing after rain or cold weather – a thin layer of surface rust can form on pads and discs overnight or in wet conditions. This usually clears within a few brake applications and isn’t a cause for concern on its own.
Grit or debris between the calliper and pad – small stones can cause noise when braking, but the braking action generally clears them quickly. If the noise persists, it’s worth having it checked.
Heavy loads – carrying heavy loads or a full car regularly puts additional stress on the braking system and means more frequent checks are advisable.

Vibration or shudder when braking

Brake shudder – a vibration felt through the steering wheel or pedal when braking – is most commonly a disc issue:

Disc thickness variation (DTV) – uneven wear means the braking surfaces aren’t flat, causing the shudder as the pads make contact. This can result from callipers not operating correctly, rotors not seated properly, or new pads not being bedded in correctly after fitting.
Uneven rust on the hub face – rust build-up over time can prevent discs from sitting evenly, which causes shudder. This is often straightforward to address.

ABS activating when it shouldn’t

ABS should only engage when the system detects a wheel slowing or stopping unexpectedly, such as in a skid. If it’s activating in normal braking conditions, the most common cause is contaminated ABS sensors, which can be affected by brake fluid, metal particles, or general debris.

Car pulling to one side under braking

A vehicle that pulls to one side when braking needs prompt attention:

A sticking or dragging brake pad on one side is the most frequent cause
Wheel cylinder or hydraulic faults can also be responsible – if brakes are locking, friction builds rapidly, and you may notice a burning smell
A clogged brake hose prevents fluid from moving freely, stopping the brake from activating correctly on that corner

When should brakes be checked?

As a general guide, have your brakes inspected at least every six months. Your MOT tester will check brake condition and can give you an indication of remaining pad life, but an MOT is annual, and brakes can change significantly between tests. If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait for the next scheduled check.

Brake fluid should be changed every two years regardless of mileage. It absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and reduces braking effectiveness, particularly under repeated heavy use.

What we cover:

Brake pad and disc replacement – front and rear
Brake calliper inspection, service, and replacement
Brake fluid change and system bleed
ABS system diagnosis and repair
Handbrake adjustment and repair
Brake hose and pipe inspection and replacement
Full brake system inspection

Why choose CCM for brake repairs and servicing

Full brake inspection, service, and repair across all makes and models
Most brake work is completed the same day
Honest, no-pressure assessment – we’ll only recommend what’s genuinely needed
Brake fluid testing included as standard with every service
Available at Cranleigh, Gatwick, and Ewhurst
Collection service available

Car Brakes FAQs

Here are some questions that customers often ask us about brakes.

If you can’t see the answer to your question, just give our team a call, and we’ll be happy to help you out.

CCM has been trusted by customers across Surrey and Sussex for over 30 years, and recognised by the industry to match, with awards including back-to-back Automechanika Best Multi-Site Garage wins, consecutive IGA Best Independent Garage titles, and the Top Garage Award 2025.

To book your Brakes service in Ewhurst, Gatwick or Cranleigh, use our online booking or contact us online. Alternatively, give us a ring.

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