frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my brakes need replacing?
Your brakes don’t stop your car as well as they used to: This could be due to a number of reasons: your brake pads and discs could be old and worn causing them to grip less well, the brake fluid could be old and has absorbed moisture – reducing its effectiveness, or the hydraulic system could be losing fluid and pressure.
A grinding sound: If you hear a grinding noise when you brake, it could mean your brake pads or discs need replacing. Brake pads include a metal wear indicator that make a noise when it contacts the brake disc. When your pads are worn to this extent, it is likely you will need to replace the discs too.
A squealing noise: You may also notice a squealing sound when you brake, if the car has been parked in the rain or standing water for long periods of time. This can cause a build-up of rust on the discs, but don’t worry, it should quickly wear off when you’re back on the road.
Leaks on the inner wheels: Your braking system is complex. If there are worn seals, loose connections or split hoses in the system, air and fluid can leak out, making your brakes less effective. Look out for fluid on the inner wheels, or on the ground where you regularly park your car. Brake fluid is normally clear, with a slight odour.
Pulling to the left or right: Your car should track straight and true when you brake, if it doesn’t, it could be a serious problem when you brake hard in an emergency situation. If your brakes are worn more on one side than the other, pulling to one side may occur. Another potential cause may be a sticking brake calliper.
Vibration: If you notice vibrations through your steering wheel or brake pedal as you slow down, get your brakes checked. A vibrating brake pedal is a sign that your brake discs are warped.
Brake pedal sinks to the floor: If you have to press the pedal a long way down before the car starts to slow, this could be due to your brake system leaking which is very serious.
Warning light: If your dashboard is displaying the brake warning light, get your car checked immediately. This is likely an indication that the brake hydraulic system has failed, and must be addressed as soon as possible to avoid a serious accident.
Sticking handbrake: If you feel resistance when you take the handbrake off and try to pull away, your handbrake could be sticking on. Make sure you get it checked by an expert as driving with the handbrake stuck on can cause your brakes to heat up which will wear your brakes and cause damage.
Can I dilute AdBlue before adding?
AdBlue is designed to be used straight out of the bottle without any dilution. Due to the nature of the system, it could cause damage to your car if you do attempt to use diluted AdBlue. AdBlue must meet the requirements set out in ISO 22241-1 and be made up of 32.5% refined urea and 67.5% demineralised water – anything else is illegal to sell under the name AdBlue.
If you wish to cancel or re-arrange an appointment there is no charge.
For cancelling an appointment/tyres please email us at reception@bridgeautocare.com with your order number and we will organise a refund and email a confirmation when it has been done. Refunds are processed on the same day if the request is received before 3pm (Monday – Friday). Requests received after this time will not be processed until the following working day. Please also note if you have paid by credit/debit card the funds may take up to 3 working days depending on your payment provider. If you have paid by PayPal, the refund will appear in your PayPal account without delay.
Yes. We have a waiting area in our reception. This will keep you warm and out of the way of the workshop. We are also a short walk to Wolverton High Street if you wanted to grab a bite to eat!
How often should I rotate my tyres?
Your tyres should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tyres is a major cause of premature tyre wear.
MOT’s take roughly an hour should everything go to plan! Obviously if there are issues we will let you know before any work is done to ensure it passes.
Do you service any type of car make or Model?
Yes, we work on all cars. Including Hybrids and Electric Vehicles.
We are here to help
We have been providing customers in the Milton Keynes area with reliable, friendly, and consistent service with 30+ years of experience. Our technicians specialize in all vehicle makes and models.