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

Brake pads and disc replacements in Thetford

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

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

£183.84

Average price for this repair in Thetford 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 Thetford

We’ll come to you at home or work

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Thetford

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.
Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic running a vehicle diagnostic check

Vehicle diagnostic check

£99

We’ll spend up to 30 mins checking our car’s onboard management system for faults. We’ll talk you through repairs needed and provide a full report. If any further work is needed, we’ll agree this with you before we start. Any additional work after the first 30 minutes will be priced at £20 per 15 minutes. We’ll agree this with you before proceeding.

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 Thetford

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

What our expert says

Your brakes are probably the most important part of your car. Worn brakes can cause longer stopping distances, brake judder, and a spongy feeling in the brake pedal.

Nick Mullender

Lead RAC Mobile Mechanic

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Shire Hill Garage Ltd

4.9/5

Here at Shire Hill we use the latest diagnostic equipment, meaning that we can accurately detect what is wrong and suggest how best to make any necessary repairs. We specialise in clutch and electrical problems, and we also offer air conditioning diagnosis and repair. For honest, accurate services and affordable MOTs, bring your vehicle to Shire Hill Garage. We service all makes of cars and vans, with a highly qualified, experienced team offering a broad knowledge of different makes and models. rom cam belt replacements to air con repairs, Shire Hill Garage is the place to bring your car for extended maintenance and repairs. Just contact us for some friendly advice and to book your vehicle in for an appointment.
1 The Shires, Saffron Walden, CB11 3AN

Protyre Bury St Edmunds

4.7/5

Bury Tyre Centre - Team Protyre joined the Protyre network in 2019. The centre specialises in supplying and fitting tyres for cars, vans and 4x4s from all leading manufacturers, including Michelin, Pirelli, Falken, Sumitomo, Bridgestone and Continental. The team will be pleased to provide advice on the best tyres to meet your driving requirements.
Unit 13, Bunting Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP327BX

A G Toft Garage Ltd

4.4/5

We are a family run garage in the village of Bourn, Cambs. Our team collectively has over 100 years of experience and is dedicated to delivering every customer an outstanding experience. We specialise in welding and also major mechanical rebuilds, however, we cover a wide variety of repairs and services on all makes and models. All our parts come under manufacturer warranty. Established in 1985, our technicians are people you can trust for honest advice and trusty repairs. Throughout the process of repairs, we always keep you in the loop and discuss various options. We have local transport links nearby but if you wish to wait while we work on your car, we have a comfortable waiting room where you can enjoy refreshments and free WIFI.
Ag Toft Garage, 36 Gills Hill, Bourn, CB232TS

Parkside Garage and Tyres

4.3/5

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.
Fakenham Road, Thursford, Fakenham, NR210BD

Spencers MOT and Service Centre Ltd

4.2/5

Our team at Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre based in Rackheath, Norwich are on hand six days a week. The team at Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre can answer any questions or queries you have about your vehicle. To keep your car running at a premium call us onand book your car in. If you are concerned about a noise or dashboard light, our technicians are here to help. They can take a look at your vehicle, diagnose any problems and are specially trained to carry out any necessary repairs. This includes clutch repairs and replacements, cambelt repairs and replacements, exhausts, gearboxes as well as tyre changes and wheel alignments. Spencer’s MOT and Service Centre’s aim is to become one of the leading garages in Norwich with a high standard of work whilst delivering an exceptional customer experience. We are able to accept card payments, cheque and cash and can offer accounts to trade customers.
Unit 36, Mackintosh Road, Rackheath Trading Estate, Norwich, NR136LJ

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.