So my CC goes for its first MOT in about a month. And I thought I would book it in for its 3 year service at the same time. Anyway the dealer told me the 3 year service is `lights and levels' and is free of charge. But they did say that most CC owners opt for a brake check at the 3 year service which will be £30.
Has anyone had this done? Is it necessary? And if I'm having an MOT wont they check the brakes anyway?
They should check the brakes in the MOT anyway. The only thing is that if the brakes are low and fail the MOT, the dealer may make you pay again for another MOT after putting the new pads/disks on.
Personally I'd get the brakes checked out somewhere else for free (do kwik Fit still do free brake checks?) or do it yourself.
i NEVER get the work done at the same place. first thing i say when i book it in is that its MOT only, not to day ANY work as i have another garage that i use for that stuff, just that they dont have an MOT testing facility. Makes sure Mr Monkey doesnt think about making stuff up.
Then again, just realised that my last MOT was about 7 years ago! so cant really say what i 'usually' do anymore, more what i USED to do!
I was told that the brakes are simply tested in an MOT. If they perform to the specified standards or better then it passes. Even if the pads only have a couple of thousand miles left on them and the car passes the braking test the car should pass the MOT for this item. An MOT is for that point in time, but a half decent mechanic will advise you on roughly the amount of mileage before a change in pads is required and will inspect the braking system and report to you any issues.
Also - there are normally probes in the pads that will give a warning lamp on the dash when pads are low, but they seldom work properly. The brake fluid resevoir will also energise a warning lamp on the dask if too low.
I believe it is advised somewhere in the Peugeot handbook or maint manual to have the brakes checked every year.
In your situation I think I would go for the MOT and see if there is anything reported. I would not pay 50 pounds for a check. I believe places like KWIK-fit will check the brakes for free.