Service, Repairs & MOT

Brake pads and discs replacement in Edinburgh

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

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

£207.18

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

Trustpilot rating for all RAC Mobile Mechanics.

Why choose the RAC for brake pads and discs replacement?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running.

Plus, with RAC Mobile Mechanics, you can avoid the hassle of taking your vehicle to a garage when you need a repair. We’ll come to you, at your home or work.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car

Our top pick in Edinburgh

Our top pick

RAC Mobile Mechanic in Edinburgh

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.

Book a brake pads and discs replacement

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

Book a diagnostic

For when you know something isn’t right, but you’re not sure what – our mobile mechanics are here to help.

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.

And it’s not just brake pads and discs replacement that we can do in Edinburgh

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.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

CLCM Auto Services Ltd AF

5.0/5

CLCM specialise in 3D four wheel geometry, tyres, servicing, repairs and associated solutions. We are always looking to cater for our customers with satisfaction and transparency by using upto date quality tools and parts for our work to achieve the best possible results at low prices. Your car needs and requirements are our passion and joy.
11, Bankhead Drive, Edinburgh, EH114EJ

Qwiklube - Musselburgh

5.0/5

Our philosophy is simple a fair price for an excellent job with outstanding customer service! We are so confident about the standard of workmanship and quality of the parts we use that all work is guaranteed so you know when you drive off the forecourt your repair, service or part is backed up by the Qwiklube 12,000 mile or 12 month warranty. The qwiklube model is no more complicated than that, we are totally transparent in everything we do and will always work with you so the outcome suits your circumstances and vehicle. Our team will treat you with respect, honesty and integrity, our most important outcome is a happy customer. We are a growing business which is due to our growing customer base so why not pop in to one of our branches to experience a new and refreshing approach to vehicle maintenance and repair, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
46 Pinkie Road, Musselburgh, EH217AW

DSD Garage Services LTD

4.6/5

Experts in vehicle servicing, repairs and diagnostics on all makes and models. PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroen/Vauxhall) specialists. Electric & Hybrid Vehicle trained technicians. We believe finding the fault correctly first time is essential when it comes to repairing vehicles and will never just fit parts. Our state of the art workshop has the highest quality equipment and tools to ensure your vehicle is looked after properly. We provide dealership level quality repairs without the inflated price tag.
2 Dunnet Way, Broxburn, EH525NN

The Garage..

4.5/5

Situated in Glenrothes, Fife, The Car Garage is an independent vehicle repair company offering MOT preparation and service facilities on-site. We pride ourselves in providing a reliable and friendly repair service to clients in the Glenrothes area. High Quality Repairs from a Name You Can Trust. Is your car or van in need of a repair? If so, bring it along to our garage where all repairs are carried out by our team of highly skilled mechanics. With over 10 years’ experience, it’s no wonder why we’re the main choice when people need their vehicle repairing. So whether you’re in need of a general repair or service, or would like us to look at your shock absorbers and suspension, we’re able to undertake all mechanical repairs on-site. Quality Assurance We will ensure that from the moment your vehicle is booked in, to the moment it leaves our Repair Centre you can be assured of our best attention at all times. If we need to discuss any aspect of your repair we will give you a call. Great Customer Service At The Car Garage, providing great customer service is at the heart of everything we do. From dropping your vehicle off, until you collect it, we will keep you updated every step of the way. We guarantee the best services for all your motoring needs in the Glenrothes area!
2A Poplar Road, Poplar Road, Glenrothes, KY74AA

Livingston Autocentre.

4.0/5

We are a small independent garage with years of experience. We have a great team of engineers who can help with anything from the smallest of problems to the mighty ones. We offer quality services and MOT's. We are a fully approved RAC garage, licensed and insured. Book your car in for a service today and avoid a small issue becoming a mighty one. We work with a number of suppliers to make sure we can fix your car to a high standard. We provide a wide variety of services. As a general rule; it is recommended that your car receives a full service every 12,000 miles or every 12 months. A regular service can help to keep your car running smoothly and identify potential problems early on, reducing the risk of more serious and costly problems in the future. MOT CHECKS MOTs are a legal requirement. Every year, cars over three years old need to have a check to make sure they are roadworthy and meet the environmental standards set by the government. Without this test, your vehicle insurance will become invalid as your car may not be safe to be on the road. Testimonials “Really friendly garage and great service. I had an unexpected puncture and they managed to fit me in and get me back on the road in no time” — NAOMI GALLAGHER “Really great garage and so convenient for my MOT, I would normally have to travel to Bathgate. So it’s a lot closer to Home ” — IAN ANDERSON “I’m so grateful for the team at Livingston autocentre” — CLAIRE WARD
Simpson Parkway, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH547BH

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.

Signs that your brake discs need replacing include vibrations when braking, grooves, or score marks on the disc, and a longer stopping distance. A professional inspection can confirm if the discs need replacement.

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.