Alert to check car for noises before putting stereo on to avoid £2.5k fine risk

Drivers have been warned that if they hear certain sounds when they get in their car, they should get to their nearest garage as soon as they can – or possibly face a fine. This is because some sounds indicate “serious damage” may have occurred.

The motoring experts at One Sure Insurance have explained that amid the wet UK weather, drivers need to be aware that squeaking or thumping car brakes must be checked at once. “Often drivers get straight into the car and put on their music, which means they don’t always hear noises from their brakes, which can sometimes be a warning sound for further investigation”, they point out.

They added: “We are urging drivers to make checking their brakes a priority as we head into a week of wet weather with slippery roads where the stopping distance doubles. Any signs of squeaking, grinding or thumping could be signs of seriously worn-out brake pads that need fixing urgently.”

They explain that when you apply your brakes, you need to listen for squeaking, grinding or thumping noises. And if this happens, it could mean you have worn-out brake pads – where your disc brake is rubbed on by the metal frame the pad was previously attached to. To avoid further damage, you should have this checked out and replaced “immediately”.

Defective brakes carry a possible disqualification under The Road Traffic Act 1988 for Driving a Vehicle in a dangerous condition, three penalty points and up to £2,500 in fines for drivers being pulled over. They added: “There is a hefty penalty fine for drivers in the UK with faulty brakes. We also typically see that the longer drivers avoid fixing their brakes, the more damage they can cause to other parts, so we are urging people to check their brakes this week.”

Your brakes should be inspected by a professional and regularly if possible, they warn. If your brakes feel less responsive or require more pressure to engage, they also need to be checked as soon as possible. The brakes may feel spongy when pressed, meaning they require a harder touch, with One Sure Insurance saying that this is a clear sign they need to be checked.