What to Expect With a Brake Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Common Brake Issues Every Driver Should Know
If your brakes are acting up, they often send warning signs. Here are some of the most common issues:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: Worn brake pads or damaged rotors can create unpleasant sounds when stopping
- Vibrations: If your brake pedal or steering wheel shakes when braking, it might indicate warped rotors or uneven wear
- Spongy Brake Pedal: A soft or spongy pedal could signal air in the brake lines or a hydraulic fluid issue
- Pulling to One Side: If your car veers to one side when braking, it could mean uneven brake pad wear or a problem with the calipers
- Warning Lights: Brake system warning lights on your dashboard shouldn’t be ignored—they indicate an issue requiring immediate attention
Recognizing these signs early can prevent further damage and keep your vehicle safe.
What We Check During a Brake Inspection
We perform a thorough brake inspection to ensure no detail is overlooked. Here’s what our technicians focus on:
- Brake Pad Thickness: Thin pads reduce stopping power and can damage the rotors
- Calipers: These critical components apply pressure to the pads and must be in good working order
- Brake/Hydraulic Fluid: We check the fluid’s level and condition to ensure your system functions smoothly
- Brake Hoses: These are prone to wear and tear, so we inspect them for leaks, cracks, or weak spots
- Brake Hardware: From clips to pins, we ensure all hardware is intact and functioning
- Rotor Wear: Warped or excessively worn rotors compromise braking performance and should be addressed promptly
Our comprehensive inspection ensures your brakes meet the highest safety standards before you hit the road.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brakes
Taking care of your brakes between service appointments helps prolong their life and keeps them working reliably:
- Avoid Hard Braking: Sudden stops increase wear on pads and rotors. Try to brake gradually when possible.
- Don’t Ride the Brakes: On downhill stretches, use lower gears to maintain speed rather than constantly pressing the brake pedal.
- Flush Brake Fluid Regularly: Contaminated or old brake fluid can damage components and reduce stopping power.
- Listen for Unusual Noises: Catching minor issues early can prevent costly repairs later.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Annual brake checks ensure small problems don’t turn into bigger ones.
These habits, paired with professional care, can extend the life of your brakes and enhance your vehicle’s overall safety.
Trust Christian Brothers Automotive for Your Brake Care
We know how much you depend on your vehicle, and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether it’s routine maintenance or urgent repairs, our ASE-certified technicians use the latest tools and techniques to keep your brakes in top condition. With transparent communication and a commitment to excellence, we’re here to ensure every drive is a safe one.
Let’s keep your car running smoothly—and stopping safely.
FAQs
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Q. "Why is my ABS light on?"There are several reasons your vehicles anti-lock brake system light might be on. The four common reasons that typically cause this light to turn on include a malfunctioning ABS module, low levels in the fluid reservoir, broken wheel speed sensors, or the system is turned off. Learn more here.
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Q. "How long will my brake pads last?"There is no perfect answer to this. Brake pads can last up to 70,000 miles while others will need to be replaced as early as 25,000 miles. The type of vehicle you drive, how you use your vehicle and your driving style are all factors to consider. If you are interested in learning more about brake pad wear and how to extend its lifespan click here.
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Q. "When do I need to change my brake fluid?"Along with the type of brake fluid, your car’s owner manual will indicate how often you need your brake fluid flushed and replaced. In general, brake fluids flushes are recommended every 30,000 miles or two years. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"Yesterday was my first visit to Christian Brothers. Will, the Service Writer, extended his hand to shake mine. He greeted me in a warm, friendly manner. His demeanor extended to taking my information in a knowledgeable, efficient way. He took time to know "
- Frank