A close up of a car dashboard displaying a brake light warning
Service, Repairs & MOT

Brake pads and disc replacements in Canterbury

Book an RAC Mobile Mechanic and we’ll come to you at home or work

  • Top-quality brakes
  • Price includes fitting
  • Maximum convenience

£181.51

Average price for this repair in Canterbury in the last 30 days^

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for brake pads and discs replacement?

With RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage. We can do brake repairs on your driveway, so you don't even need to leave the house.

Our top-quality brake parts meet OEM standards – that means we only use parts that meet your vehicle manufacturer’s strict quality criteria. And with our 12-month guarantee, you can drive away with confidence. No hidden costs, just friendly, honest experts.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Canterbury

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Canterbury

At the RAC, we’ve got over 125 years’ experience in offering complete peace of mind to our members. We’re best known for our breakdown service. And now – our new RAC Mobile Mechanics are here to help make every day motoring easier. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

A closeup of a car dashboard

Brake pads and disc replacements

From £149**

If your brakes are making noise or you’re noticing reduced stopping power, it’s likely time to replace your brake pads or discs. Our mobile mechanics can come to you at home or work to replace them, all without the hassle of getting to a garage!

We use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standard parts, which means every new part will be the same standard and same quality as the original part it replaced.
Our mobile mechanics are friendly, honest, and backed by the RAC.

Vehicle diagnostic check

£99

Our mobile mechanics will spend up to 30 minutes checking your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need and give you a report for your records. Plus, when we’ve diagnosed the problem get £50 off mobile mechanic repairs over £150 – for a limited time only. T&Cs apply. Offer ends 03/08, 23:59. 

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors
If we detect any issues, we'll talk through what needs to be repaired. We’ll give you a no-obligation quote to fix it on the spot, if we can. Or we’ll recommend a local RAC Approved Garage, and give you a full error report to take there.

Average cost of a brake repair by car make^

The cost to repair your brakes will depend on the car you drive. According to RAC data, the average cost to repair your brakes is £329. But you can check out the average price of a brake repair for your specific car make here.

Car make

Average price

BMW

£267

Ford

£271

Audi

£289

Volkswagen

£281

Vauxhall

£271

Land Rover

£324

Mini

£236

Kia

£257

Nissan

£267

^Average price quoted for brake repairs by RAC Mobile Mechanics from 01/01/25 to 31/03/25.

And it’s not just brake pads and disc replacements that we can do in Canterbury

Mobile mechanics bring the garage to you, saving you the hassle of getting your car to a garage. If you need a service or repair, they’ll come to you at your home or work.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Westwood Mot, Tyre & Service Centre Ltd

5.0/5

We are one of Thanet's most established independent vehicle service centres, aiming to provide a main dealer service at local garage prices. Our staff have many years experience at main dealer level, giving you the assurance and confidence that your vehicle is in very safe hands. Westwood Service Centre is owned and run by David Locke who has over 37 years of award winning experience within the Diagnosis/Repair/Service and Aftersales environment for customer delivery and satisfaction. David has used his years of expertise as an MOT tester, Master Technician, Technical Expert and Aftersales Manager and leads the team at Westwood Service Centre to the forefront as independent vehicle repair experts. His employees are trained to the highest standards and follow continual personal development plans that are tailored and reviews regularly in order to meet the needs of the ever changing innovations in vehicle technology. Our customers are an even mix of retail customers, national fleet contracts, emergency breakdown customers and warranty repairs. We can offer assurance about the quality of our work and are audited annually to the highest level by each of our commercial partners within the AA, RAC, DVLA and National Fleet companies. Our aim is to offer your a first class experience with a personal touch.
Unit 3-4 Goodwin Park, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate, CT94HX

Horizon Motor Group Ltd.

4.4/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We cover Wingham and surrounding areas and also offer courtesy cars and a free collection and delivery service.
Canterbury, Wingham, CT31NL

Westbere Garage

4.1/5

We are a quality-minded garage based in Canterbury. We are also the largest independent garage in Canterbury. Our customers are proud of the top quality, professional and friendly service that we offer. We pride ourselves in high customer satisfaction. This is why we are continually investing in a new technology training and equipment that enable us to deliver excellent service to our customers. Be rest assured, your car will be looked after by our highly qualified technicians. We offer the same quality level servicing that you would experience at the main dealer. But we offer you the personal touch, we are a family run business and pride ourselves in high customer satisfaction. By using Westbere Garage you will be treated as an individual, and you can rest assured with our company policy: “Top Quality Service, Nothing Less”
Island Rd, Hersden, Canterbury, CT34JD

A.T. Garage Services Ltd

3.7/5

We are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind We cover Dover, Folkestone and surrounding areas At Eurorepar Car Service, we’re all about keeping you and your car moving with confidence. As a trusted network of local garages, we provide high-quality car maintenance and repairs tailored to your needs – all at competitive prices. With our exclusive Brakes for Life program and a 2-year parts and labour warranty, you can drive away knowing you’re covered for the long haul.* Ask your Eurorepar Car Service Centre to fit Eurorepar branded parts to qualify. Claims under the 2-year parts and labour warranty must be made at a Eurorepar Car Service Centre. Discover expert care, unbeatable value, and peace of mind – all under one roof. Ready to experience the Eurorepar difference? Request a quote or give us a call today! *Terms and conditions apply.
Unit 2, Primrose Industrial Estate, Dover, CT17 0UP

Ivydene Ltd, Bosch Car Service

3.4/5

We are a family run business who have grown from strength to strength over the years, and are recognised by Bosch as a centre of excellence. Established in 1981, we have been Bosch agents for over 25 years. Our investment in the latest diagnostics equipment means we that we can offer specialised services for most makes and models of vehicle, including light commercial vehicles. We have some of the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment, ensuring you receive and expert service from our highly skilled technicians. We also are an MOT approved centre.
Unit 99 Ellingham Industrial Estate Way, Ellingham Way, Ashford, TN23 6LZ

Frequently asked questions on brake pads

Brake pads typically need replacing every 20,000 to 70,000 miles, but this depends on your driving habits and the type of brake pads you use. Regular inspections can help determine the right time for replacement.

Yes, if you have the necessary tools and mechanical knowledge, you can replace brake pads yourself. However, unless you’re a trained mechanic, it’s safer and more efficient to entrust the work to a trained professional.

Worn brake pads often cause squealing or grinding noises, reduced braking performance, and vibrations when braking. Visual inspections can also reveal thin brake pads that need replacing.

You may need new brake discs if you experience vibrations when braking, see grooves or score marks on the disc, or notice a longer stopping distance. A professional inspection can confirm if the brake discs need replacing.

Brake discs last longer than brake pads and typically need replacing every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. The exact lifespan depends on driving conditions and habits.

To check your brake pads yourself:

  1. Look through the wheel spokes: You should see the brake pad pressed against the brake disc.
  2. Measure the thickness: If the pad is less than 3mm (about 0.12 in) thick, it needs replacing.
  3. Listen for noises: Squealing or grinding noises indicate worn pads.

If you spot anything unusual or out of the ordinary, make sure you speak to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Brake fade occurs when the braking system overheats and loses its ability to generate friction. This can happen after continuous hard braking, such as driving down a steep hill. A brake fade reduces braking performance and can be dangerous.

Replacing both brake pads and discs can cost between £200 and £500 per axle, depending on the vehicle and type of parts used. Get multiple quotes to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Driving with worn brake pads can compromise your safety and damage other braking components in your vehicle. It is best to replace them as soon as you notice they are worn.

Yes, there are several types of brake pads:

  • Ceramic brake pads: Known for being quiet and producing less dust.
  • Semi-metallic brake pads: Durable and effective but can be noisy.
  • Organic brake pads: Made from non-metallic materials, they are quieter but wear out faster.

Each type has its pros and cons, so choose based on your driving needs.

Brake pads are components that press against the brake discs (rotors) to create friction and slow the car. Brake discs are the rotors attached to the wheels that the brake pads clamp onto. Both are essential for effective braking.

To extend the life of your brake pads:

  • Drive smoothly: Avoid hard braking whenever possible.
  • Maintain a safe distance: This reduces the need for sudden stops.
  • Regular inspections: Check your brake pads regularly to catch wear early. Inspection should form part of your yearly service.

A brake pad replacement typically takes about 1 to 2 hours per axle, depending on the vehicle and the mechanic's experience. If additional repairs are needed, it might take longer.

Yes, you can upgrade to high-performance brake pads for better braking performance. Consider options like ceramic or semi-metallic pads if you need improved durability and stopping power.

If the brake warning light comes on, it usually indicates that your brake pads are worn or there is another issue with the braking system. To avoid progressive damage to your vehicle, get your brakes checked out by a professional as soon as you can.

Brakes can squeal for several reasons:

  • Worn brake pads: Low pads can cause squealing.
  • Glazed pads: Overheating can glaze the pads and cause noise.
  • Dust and debris: Accumulation can cause squealing.

Regular maintenance and timely replacements can prevent squealing.

A brake pad sensor is a small device that alerts you when your brake pads are worn and need replacing. It activates the brake warning light on the dashboard when the pads reach a certain wear level.

Yes, a mobile mechanic can replace your brake pads at your home or workplace. This service offers convenience and ensures your brakes are in good condition without needing to visit a garage.

Yes, driving with worn brake pads can damage other parts of your vehicle, such as the brake discs and calipers. This can lead to more expensive repairs, so it’s best to have any issues seen to as soon as you notice them.

If your car judders when braking, it could indicate warped brake discs or unevenly worn brake pads. Have your braking system inspected and repaired by a professional.

Brake pads are usually considered a wear-and-tear item and probably won’t be covered under standard warranties. However, some premium brake pads come with a limited warranty, so it’s worth checking the details when you buy.

  • OEM brake pads: Made by the vehicle manufacturer or an approved supplier. They match the original specifications.
  • Aftermarket brake pads: Made by third-party manufacturers. They can offer a wider range of options but vary in quality.

Both options have their pros and cons. Talk to a mechanic to choose the best for your needs.