How to Test your Brakes for Common Faults

Your brakes are some of the most important aspects of your vehicle, and when issues develop, it could cause a serious safety concern. It’s important to regularly test your brakes to make sure they are operating as they should be. You can test the brake problems on your car yourself, but you need to be cautious. If you don’t know what you’re doing or if there’s an issue with your brakes, you can make minor, existing issues worse which could lead to an accident. Here at Vantage Auto Services, our team are experts at what we do and are here to offer advice and guidance to help you test your brakes at home. Keep reading to find out more!

Before you Begin any Brake Testing

Make sure that the parking brake is on and all tires are stationary. This will prevent any movement from occurring during brake testing and ensure that all parts of your vehicle are in good working order.

Why do Brakes Need Testing?

If your brakes fail, it can be very dangerous and can often result in an accident. If you hear strange noises or feel vibrations when applying your brakes, or if they fail to work properly, it’s time to test them for common brake faults. A thorough brake inspection can help you determine if your vehicle needs new brakes, or if there is a more simple, cost effective fix. The following tests will help you determine if your brake pads need to be replaced. Not sure how to test your brakes? Don’t worry, we’re here to help – and we can highlight some of the more common problems that cause brake issues.

Test With the Car in Neutral

This test is used for vehicles with manual transmission only. It involves putting the car into neutral and then applying pressure to the pedal until the vehicle begins moving forward or backward at a slow speed. If this happens, it means there might be a problem with the master cylinder or booster.

If your brakes are squeaking when applied, the most likely cause is that they need new brake pads or shoes. You can either take your car to a mechanic or do it yourself, we recommend a visit to your local mechanic as the process can be tricky and lead to bigger issues if done incorrectly. 

Be Cautious of Spongy Brakes

If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy when pressed, this could mean that you have low brake fluid in your system. Spongy brakes can be caused by a leak in the hydraulic system or air entering the system, which would require bleeding of the brakes to fix. This is done by turning off the engine, then checking the reservoir that holds the brake fluid. If it’s low, add some more fluid before proceeding. All brake fluid containers should have two lines on the side that indicate how much fluid you should use. If this doesn’t help or there’s no sign of low fluid levels, then you may need to replace worn parts like master cylinders or callipers and proceed with your inspection of other parts of the system.

When to Stop DIY Testing and Call a Professional

While some basic brake checks can be carried out at home, it’s important to recognise the limits of DIY testing. Braking systems are complex, safety-critical components, and even small oversights can have serious consequences. If you’re unsure at any stage—especially if you notice symptoms like brake fade, grinding, vibrating pedals, or warning lights—it’s time to stop and contact a qualified mechanic.

DIY testing might help you spot surface-level issues, like worn pads or squeaky brakes, but internal problems often require professional tools to diagnose. For example, a brake fluid leak or air in the hydraulic system might not be visible during a home inspection but could severely affect braking performance. Attempting to bleed brakes or replace parts without the correct tools and expertise can actually worsen the problem or introduce new faults.

At Vantage Auto Services, we frequently assist customers who’ve tried to fix an issue themselves, only to realise it’s more complex than expected. Our team is fully equipped to handle brake diagnostics, part replacements, and full inspections to manufacturer standards. We use trusted parts and follow strict safety protocols, giving you peace of mind every time you drive.

If you’re in Newcastle-under-Lyme or nearby and you suspect anything is wrong with your brakes, don’t take chances. Book a professional inspection with us and we’ll make sure your car is road-safe and ready for your next journey. Your safety—and that of other road users—is always worth the extra care.

Leaking Callipers

If your brake pedal sinks down once depressed and then returns back up after releasing pressure from it then this means that you may have air in the system which causes callipers to leak. This type of situation needs immediate attention because it could result in loss of control while driving and even serious injury or death if ignored for too long.

Wear and Tear

Brake pad material can wear down over time, so it’s important to check their condition regularly. It’s recommended that you replace your brake pads from anywhere between every 25,000 to 65,000 miles depending on how you drive. To make them last as long as possible, avoid poor driving habits by using appropriate gears and avoid high speed travel when possible. This is because as they wear down they get thinner and thinner until they can’t do their job anymore.

Unusual Movement

If your brake pedal moves up and down more than it used to when you press on it, that means that there is excessive air in your brake components (rotors, callipers). The cause may be a poor alignment between the callipers and rotors or loose bolts holding them together.

Checking Drum Brakes

For drum brakes check that your pads are not worn down too far. Rotors should be free of cracks and grooves. If either of these problems are apparent, it may be time for new brake pads or rotors. 

If you hear a grinding or squealing sound when applying the brakes, there may be a problem with the brake pad lining material. This may mean that the lining has worn down too far and needs replacement.

Worn Brake Rotor

If your car vibrates when braking, this could indicate that your brake rotor is worn out and needs replacing. The rotor is essentially a metal disc that acts as an interface between the brake pads and wheel hub assembly. As such, it wears out over time due to constant friction from braking movement against the rotors during use.

How Brake Performance is Assessed During an MOT Test

When your car goes in for its MOT, one of the key areas tested is the braking system. Even if your brakes seem fine day to day, the MOT test is designed to identify underlying issues that may not be obvious during normal driving. At Vantage Auto Services, we use a rolling road brake tester which simulates braking conditions to measure the efficiency of both the front and rear brakes. This includes evaluating how evenly the brakes apply pressure and how much stopping power they generate in comparison to the vehicle’s weight.

MOT testers will also check for physical faults such as worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or damaged callipers and discs. Spongy brake pedals, seized components, or imbalances between left and right braking force can all lead to a failed MOT. Additionally, handbrakes are tested for correct operation and the ability to securely hold the vehicle, especially on inclines.

Brake fluid levels and condition are also considered. If the fluid is low, contaminated, or overdue for replacement, it may flag up during the test. This is why routine maintenance and occasional fluid flushes are recommended.

Understanding how brakes are tested in an MOT can help you prepare your vehicle more effectively. If you’re unsure whether your brakes will pass, it’s always best to book a pre-MOT inspection with our experienced team in Newcastle-under-Lyme. We can identify and resolve any issues before they become a reason for failure.

What To Do Next?

When you find an issue with your brakes that can’t be solved at home, it’s time to contact a mechanic who will take the time to repair any faults with brakes before a serious accident happens. If you’re based in Newcastle Under Lyme or the surrounding areas of the North East, head over to Vantage Auto Services where our team will make sure your brakes are working as they should be. For more information, get in touch with us today – we offer a range of services, from vehicle repairs and MOT’s, to air con recharging, and new tyre services.