Often people never think to test their brakes themselves, they rely on them being done during the annual MOT test and then assume that if it passes it will be fine for the rest of the year. As with any part on a car, general wear and tear or even defect parts can mean that something stops working at any time even a week or so after an MOT.

If you are going on a long journey, motorway travelling or have any doubt that your brakes are not as they should be then you can test them. You need to know what you are doing and find a safe place to do this though. Many car dealerships and car part shops offer a free brake check where it is done in a safe environment and measured on a machine. Why not next time you are passing one, pop in and take advantage of it. You never know it could just save your life.