Updated: 10 June 2026
As braking technology continues to develop alongside the needs of today’s vehicles, First Line Ltd., through its Borg & Beck brand, is encouraging technicians to take a full, system-first view of brake servicing. The guidance is simple - focus on the whole assembly, not just the most obvious wear items, and better performance, longer-lasting repairs and happier customers will follow.
First Line Ltd.’s Product Director, Kelvin Olds, explains: “Modern braking systems are incredibly sensitive to how each component works with the next. Pads and discs are designed to operate together, and we strongly advise that technicians treat them as a pair, not separate parts.”
While replacing pads alone can appear cost-effective, it often leads to compromised friction, reduced braking efficiency and a higher likelihood of noise or early return visits. Olds notes that the most consistent results come when pads and discs are renewed together, something Borg & Beck reinforces through product advice and technical support.
A reliable brake service doesn’t stop at pads and discs. Borg & Beck highlights that ancillary components play a major role in how a vehicle feels and performs after service.
Brake hoses, for example, can deteriorate internally and externally, particularly on older vehicles. They may not trigger warning lights, but a weakened hose can still cause poor pedal feel or brake fade.
Then there’s fitting hardware - pins, clips and springs that keep everything correctly aligned and operating as intended.
Olds adds: “These small items can be the difference between a smooth, quiet brake service and a customer coming back with a complaint. That’s why we recommend renewing hardware when fitting new pads.”
Brake fluid is another critical component that can be neglected. Because it absorbs moisture over time, its boiling point drops, increasing the risk of vapour lock under heavy braking. Borg & Beck recommends a full brake fluid change every two years, in line with widely accepted manufacturer guidance.
To help workshops and motorists avoid common early-life issues, Borg & Beck includes a bedding-in guide in every brake disc box, advising light, progressive braking for the first 400 miles.
“It is vital that the correct bedding in and installation procedures are followed otherwise you can trigger the kind of wear patterns that lead to noise, vibration, and an unnecessary return visit,” says Olds.
Borg & Beck also warns that budget parts remain a major source of brake complaints, from excessive noise to uneven wear and premature failure. “Poor-quality components don’t just affect the driver,” Olds explains. “They can accelerate caliper wear, increase warranty work and ultimately damage a workshop’s reputation.”
The Borg & Beck braking range is built around OE-matching material standards and fitment quality, supported by a strong focus on installation best practice. Even small errors can create big issues - for example, as little as 0.08mm of debris on the hub face can prevent a disc from sitting true, leading to pedal pulsation or unwanted noise.
From choosing premium components and renewing the right ancillaries, to careful installation and proper bedding-in, Borg & Beck’s message is clear - strong braking performance comes from a system-wide approach, and that translates into safer vehicles, more satisfied customers.
Borg & Beck braking is ideal for workshops and installers looking for cost-effective OE premium quality R90 Regulation Approved products. All Borg & Beck Braking components are fully tested and quality checked during production for premium quality assurance and comes with a comprehensive 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty for total peace of mind. To find out more about Borg & Beck braking and other products available visit: https://www.borgandbeck.com/. To see what vehicles are covered by Borg & Beck’s comprehensive range please visit the online catalogue at https://webcat.firstline.co.uk/Home.
ENDS
Nikki Gooch
Impression Communications Ltd.
nikki@impressionuk.co.uk
Tel: 07793387534