Most brake problems can be caught before they show up on the road. At Autoservis Štefanko, we cover the entire brake system: diagnostics, pads, discs, fluid, calipers and ABS electronics. Everything under one roof, with a clear price before any work begins.
The brake system has its own "language": sounds, feel, and the car's behaviour all change before a real problem occurs. Understanding these signals early can save you hundreds of euros and prevent a dangerous situation on the road.
Pad wear happens gradually. Most drivers don't notice it until the lining is completely worn down — by which point the discs are often already damaged.
We recommend having the pad thickness checked every 15,000 km or with every tyre change. The check is quick and free with us when servicing.
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Metal-on-metal sound when braking
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Metal grinding against metal means the lining is completely worn out. Every extra kilometre damages the discs further — a cheap pad replacement quickly turns into an expensive full system replacement. |
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Pulling to one side
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The car changes direction on its own when braking. This is usually caused by a stuck caliper or significantly uneven wear on one axle. There's a risk of losing control during emergency braking. |
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Warning light on
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A lit brake or ABS warning light isn't a cosmetic issue. If the ABS light is on, the system is disabled — in a skid, the wheels will lock up and the car will lose steering control. |
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Pedal sinking lower
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If the brake pedal travels further than usual, the cause is most often air in the hydraulic system or degraded brake fluid. The problem worsens with repeated braking when the brakes are hot. |
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Vibration when braking
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Shuddering in the pedal or steering wheel during braking suggests warped brake discs. Discs can warp permanently from overheating — typically after a long downhill drive or aggressive driving. |
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Longer stopping distance
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A gradual increase in stopping distance is hard to notice because it happens slowly. A 15–20% drop in braking performance at 80 km/h means several extra metres — a critical difference in busy traffic. |
We don't just deal with what shows up on the invoice. Every brake service with us includes checking the surrounding components that directly affect braking performance.
Always replaced on the entire axle — replacing only one side is a mistake, not a saving. We use OE-quality parts from trusted suppliers.
Discs are always replaced in pairs on the same axle. Before deciding on replacement, we measure thickness and assess whether the disc is still within the manufacturer's tolerance.
Fluid isn't "lifetime." We measure the moisture content — if it's above 3%, the boiling point has dropped enough that intense braking risks brake fade.
A stuck caliper is a sneaky problem — it increases fuel consumption, wears out pads and discs faster, and overheats the wheel. We check every caliper manually.
Every brake service with us includes free ABS and ESP diagnostics. A faulty ABS sensor undermines the whole service — we catch it before you do, on the road.
Rear drum brakes are common on smaller vehicles. We service this system too, including correct handbrake adjustment.
No waiting around in uncertainty. You know exactly what stage your car is at, what it will cost, and when you can leave.
We note the symptoms you've noticed. A quick visual check of the wheels right in the car park.
~10 minWe measure pad and disc thickness, check the fluid, and read ABS/ESP codes.
~20 minWe present our findings and the exact price. We only start work once you've approved it — no exceptions.
~5 minWe carry out the agreed work. Once finished, you'll get a brake condition report and a recommendation for the next check.
1–3 hrs.We've been servicing brake systems since 2001 — on all makes and vehicle types, including hybrids.
Brake control unit diagnostics is included with every service — you pay nothing extra for it.
You approve the price before work begins. If anything extra comes up during the service, we call you first — we never start without your consent.
Prices listed are for labour only. Parts pricing depends on the specific vehicle — an exact quote including materials is available once you provide your VIN or registration number.
We don't pick and choose who we serve. We work on family cars, corporate fleets, hybrids and EVs — always with the same approach.
„In twenty-five years, I've seen hundreds of cars come in with a brake problem that could have been caught much earlier. The brake system isn't where you can see it — it's where you can't feel it. A caliper that's sticking, or fluid with too much moisture, doesn't make noise or cause vibration. It only reveals itself once things get expensive or dangerous."
We measure pad and disc thickness with calibrated tools, not by eye. You always get real numbers, not impressions.
Our EV-77 certification lets us work on high-voltage systems. Brake service on a hybrid or EV is different — and we know how to do it properly.
More than 40 corporate clients trust us with regular servicing. We understand what it means when a car needs to be ready by morning and safe for hundreds of kilometres.
You leave with a written report of measured values, work performed, and a recommended date for the next check. No guesswork.
Answers to the questions drivers ask us most often about brake system servicing.
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