Your car's ability to stop when required is vital for your safety and other road users, so when it comes down to your brakes you can't afford to make a mistake. Sunrise Service & MOT are the leading car specialists in Blandford, we’re your number one choice when it comes to checking, repairing or replacing your car brakes or tyres.
Do you also need replacement tyres for your vehicle in the Dorset area? We can supply and fit a wide range of budget, performance, 4x4 and commercial vehicle tyres from the world's leading manufacturers. Our team recommends additional replacement tyres to ensure your safety and maintain low fuel consumption, but we are happy to offer you advice on suitable alternative tyres as well.
Your brakes will be checked at every MOT and service that you book, which should be completed annually.
However, if you brake particularly aggressively, it might be an idea for you to check them more frequently at around every six months.
The most obvious sign that your brakes need servicing or replacing will be the brake light switching on on your dashboard. However, there are a few other signs to look out for.
If you notice that your car is taking longer to slow down than usual, this could be a sign that you need to service your brakes.
Alternatively, if you feel a vibration as you brake, you could need new brake pads, so it would be recommended that you book your car into a garage to have a look at them.
A final sign is a screeching sound made when brake pads are wearing thin.
If you recognise any of these signs on your car, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to book an appointment for us to take a look at your brakes.
During an MOT, a mechanic will first examine the discs, pads, callipers and any relevant pipes and cables. They will also check that the pedal rubber isn’t worn down and the anti-lock brake light works (should your car have anti-lock brakes fitted).
Once satisfied that these are all in good condition, they will test the brakes.
Usually, the mechanic will put the car on rollers and press the brakes to make sure they slow the car down effectively and straight.
Yes, we can test the brakes on any car make or model.
Yes, if your dashboard brake light is on, we can take a look and diagnose any issues, repair them and reset the light.
We can also look at any anti-lock brake issues you may be having and fix those too.
Yes, we can replace your brake fluid if you need it.
This is a service that will be included if you bring your car in for a brake servicing from our team.
Absolutely! Every member of our team is fully trained and certified.
As a team, we hold several accreditations which speak for our standards and abilities.
The time to replace brake pads and discs will depend on your car and its braking system.
On average, this work will take between one and three hours for one set of brakes (front or back). If you are having both sets replaced, the time taken will be double (e.g. one hour for one set will mean two hours for both sets.)
We will be able to give you a more accurate timeframe for your car when you bring it to its appointment.
It is recommended that you check your tyre pressures and tread depth once a month. If you are doing a long journey, then we would advise you to check your tyre pressures before starting the journey.
If you aren’t sure whether your tyres need replacing, there are several visual signs to look out for:
If you notice any of these, contact our team and book your car with us for tyre repair or replacements.
Generally speaking, you should rotate your tyres every 5,000 miles. However, we recommend checking your car manual as each make and model will have their recommended distance.
It is important that you do this because it ensures that your tyre treads wear evenly as you use them, which maintains their safety for as long as possible.
Seasonal tyres have various tread depths that will meet the various conditions that come with each season.
We expect there to be more icy and wet conditions on the roads during the winter. Therefore, winter tyres will have a deeper tread pattern. These tyres also have a repeating pattern of thin slits, called sipes, that will compact snow as you drive on it. Finally, winter tyres are made of a soft compound, allowing them to be flexible which provides a better grip on slippery surfaces.
Summer tyres have fewer grooves, a more shallow tread depth and a hard compound, which make them more suitable for dry road conditions.
Finally, the all-season tyres have a tread that is somewhere in the middle of a winter tyre tread and a summer tyre tread. The compound is harder than the winter tyres, but softer than the summer tyres too.
In terms of which is best for your vehicle, this will depend on how you use it. We will discuss your options when your car is at our garage for a tyre change.
Yes, we are able to replace and fit tyres on your vehicle.
On average, it will take around 30 minutes to fit each tyre. We can give you a more accurate time frame when we have your car booked in.
Absolutely! Our team are experts in tyres and their benefits and will be able to recommend which tyres would suit your car and needs. We will always talk you through your options and their benefits or considerations you should make so that you can make an informed decision.
At the end of the day, it will always be your choice.
Yes, we offer a comprehensive tyre repair and replacement service, so we will be happy to repair punctures, sidewall damage and bulges where possible.
You can trust us to be honest, so if we don’t think it is worth repairing, we will tell you and explain your other options.
We offer an affordable MOT testing service for vehicles of all makes and models.
We have an experienced team of qualified technicians who offer a range of car and garage services.
When your tyres need replacing, we're on hand to get you back on the road within no time at all!
