Brake Service: Pad and Disc Replacement

Brakes you can trust.

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.

25+
Years of experience
85+
Google reviews
40+
Corporate clients
Bosch
Certified service
When to Come In

Your Car Tells You When Something's Wrong

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.

Metal-on-metal sound when braking Now
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.
Pulling to one side Now
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.
Warning light on Now
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.
Pedal sinking lower Soon
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.
Vibration when braking Soon
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.
Longer stopping distance Soon
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.
Scope of Service

Everything Our Brake Service Covers

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.

🔩
Brake Pads and Linings

Always replaced on the entire axle — replacing only one side is a mistake, not a saving. We use OE-quality parts from trusted suppliers.

  • Thickness measured before and after replacement
  • Cleaning and lubricating guide surfaces
  • Correctly retracting the caliper piston
⚙️
Brake Discs

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.

  • Checking minimum permissible thickness
  • Cleaning the hub mounting surface
  • Degreasing and bedding-in new discs
💧
Brake Fluid

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.

  • Electronic moisture content check
  • Draining old fluid, refilling with new DOT4
  • Professional bleeding of all four wheels
🔧
Calipers and Hydraulics

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.

  • Testing piston movement and return
  • Checking and lubricating guide pins
  • Visual inspection of hoses and fittings
📡
ABS and ESP Diagnostics — Free

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.

  • Reading control unit fault codes
  • Checking wheel speed sensor condition
  • Verifying correct ESP modulator operation
🥁
Drum Brakes and Handbrake

Rear drum brakes are common on smaller vehicles. We service this system too, including correct handbrake adjustment.

  • Brake shoe replacement
  • Drum inspection and cleaning
  • Handbrake adjustment and calibration
Specialist Area: EV and Hybrid Brake Service EVs and hybrids brake differently — regeneration means mechanical brakes are used less, but corrode more and calipers seize more easily. We hold EV-77 certification and have experience with these systems.
From Arrival to Departure

What a Brake Service Visit Looks Like

No waiting around in uncertainty. You know exactly what stage your car is at, what it will cost, and when you can leave.

🔍
Check-In and Initial Assessment

We note the symptoms you've noticed. A quick visual check of the wheels right in the car park.

~10 min
📏
Measurement and Diagnostics

We measure pad and disc thickness, check the fluid, and read ABS/ESP codes.

~20 min
Quote and Approval

We present our findings and the exact price. We only start work once you've approved it — no exceptions.

~5 min
🏁
Service and Handover

We carry out the agreed work. Once finished, you'll get a brake condition report and a recommendation for the next check.

1–3 hrs.
25+
Years in brake servicing

We've been servicing brake systems since 2001 — on all makes and vehicle types, including hybrids.

0 €
For ABS/ESP diagnostics

Brake control unit diagnostics is included with every service — you pay nothing extra for it.

100%
Transparent pricing

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.

Approximate Price List

How Much Does Brake Service Cost

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.

Pads
Work only
Front axle from 35 € + parts
Rear axle (disc) from 45 € + parts
Both axles from 70 € + parts
Discs + Pads
Full axle overhaul
Front axle fro 70 € + parts
Rear axle from 80 € + parts
Brake shoes — drum (rear) from 40 € + parts
Other services
Fluid, diagnostics
DOT4 brake fluid change from 55 € + parts
DOT4 brake fluid change free
ABS/ESP diagnosticsfree freewith brake service
Parts pricing depends on the vehicle. Pads and discs for different vehicles can vary significantly in price. Send us your VIN or registration number — we'll get back to you within 24 hours with an exact quote including parts, no obligation.
Want an exact price for your car? Just call or message us — your VIN is on the windscreen or in the registration certificate.
☎ Call Us
Why Autoservis Štefanko

25 Years Solving Brake Issues. We Know Every Detail.

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."

Peter Štefanko
Owner and Lead Technician, Autoservis Štefanko — Žilina since 2001
🎯
We Measure — We Don't Guess

We measure pad and disc thickness with calibrated tools, not by eye. You always get real numbers, not impressions.

🔋
EV and Hybrids — A Regional Specialty

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.

🏢
Corporate Fleets Need a Different Approach

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.

📋
Brake Condition Report After Every Service

You leave with a written report of measured values, work performed, and a recommended date for the next check. No guesswork.

Certifications:
Bosch
Service Partner
EV-77
Hybrids and EVs
DSG
DSG Transmissions
ATP
ATP Certified
FCD
FCD Service
— Frequently Asked Questions

Brake Service — What You Need to Know

Answers to the questions drivers ask us most often about brake system servicing.

Can I just have one pad replaced if it's only worn on one side?
No, and for an important safety reason. Brake pads are always replaced in pairs on the entire axle. If one wheel had a new pad and the other an old one, braking force would be asymmetrical — the car would pull to one side under braking. In an emergency, this can lead to loss of control. One-sided wear is also often a sign of a sticking caliper, which needs to be diagnosed.
What's the difference between DOT3, DOT4 and DOT5 brake fluid?
The DOT number indicates the fluid's minimum boiling point and basic composition:
  • DOT3 (180°C dry boiling point): a basic fluid for older vehicles. Rarely used today.
  • DOT4 (230°C dry boiling point): the standard for most modern vehicles. This is what we use.
  • DOT5 (silicone-based): doesn't absorb moisture, but is incompatible with ABS systems — not suitable for ordinary cars.
Never mix DOT5 with DOT3 or DOT4 — they're chemically incompatible. DOT3 and DOT4 can be mixed, but we always recommend a full fluid change.
Why are my discs corroding when I drive an EV and barely brake at all?
Precisely because you barely brake. On EVs and hybrids, deceleration is handled mainly by regeneration — the electric motor converts kinetic energy back into electricity. The mechanical brakes are used only occasionally. Discs that don't heat up and press against the pads corrode quickly on the surface. A corroded disc then brakes less effectively and can start to vibrate. We recommend a brake check every 15,000 km, regardless of how little you've been braking.
My brakes squeal only in the morning, then stop. Do I need to deal with it?
Morning squealing that disappears after a few brake applications is usually surface corrosion on the disc caused by overnight moisture — this is normal and not a sign of a fault. However, if the squealing persists even after the brakes warm up, or turns into grinding or scraping, that's a different signal: the lining is worn out. If you're not sure, we're happy to check pad thickness during a quick visual inspection.
How long does it take for new pads and discs to bed in?
New pads and discs need a break-in period known as bedding-in. For the first 200–300 km, drive carefully and avoid hard braking. Full contact between the pad and disc only develops after several heating–cooling cycles. During this time, the pedal may feel slightly different — that's normal and goes away once bedding-in is complete.
Is it better to go to a dealer for brake service, or to you?
It depends what you're looking for. A dealer service works with original parts and has access to brand-specific factory diagnostics. As a Bosch certified independent garage, we use OE-quality parts — the same technical standard as original parts, usually at a lower price. Servicing with us doesn't void your vehicle's warranty, and you don't need to go to an authorised dealer for standard brake service.
Do you also service company fleet vehicles?
Yes — more than 40 corporate clients regularly trust us with their vehicle servicing. For businesses, we offer priority appointments, consolidated invoicing, and a service history record for each vehicle. If you need a car ready by morning, we can arrange it. Contact us to discuss terms for corporate cooperation.
Do you also do ABS and ESP diagnostics?
Yes, and we do it free of charge with every brake service. We read the control unit's fault codes and check the wheel speed sensors. A faulty ABS sensor undermines the entire service — we catch it here, not out on the road. Find out more about diagnostics in our car diagnostics section.

Book Your Service