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?
How to Know if Your Car Needs a Brake Replacement
Recognizing when your brakes need attention keeps you and others safe on the road. Your vehicle will often give clear warning signs that it’s time for a brake service in Billings. Make an appointment for a professional brake inspection right away to avoid a more costly brake repair, if you notice any of the following:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: This often means your brake pads are worn thin and need to be replaced.
- Vibration or Shaking: A steering wheel or brake pedal that shakes when you brake usually points to warped rotors.
- Soft or "Spongy" Brake Pedal: If your brake pedal feels soft or sinks to the floor, you may have air in the lines or low brake fluid.
- Longer Stopping Distance: If you notice your vehicle is taking longer than usual to come to a complete stop.
- Vehicle Pulling to One Side: When your car pulls to the left or right while you are braking.
- Brake Warning Light: If the brake warning light on your dashboard illuminates, it needs immediate professional attention.
Our team looks beyond the surface by checking brake fluid, inspecting the entire system, and spotting uneven wear—especially from Billings' freeze-thaw cycles. This helps us ensure your brakes are reliable for every drive, including trips through the Beartooth foothills and local commutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do brakes typically last in Billings?
While brake pads usually last 30,000 to 70,000 miles, this can be shorter in Billings. Our local conditions, like driving on steep grades, stop-and-go traffic in winter, and road salt, all accelerate wear. We recommend regular inspections to know for sure.
Why are my brakes making a squealing or grinding noise?
A squealing noise is the most common sign that your brake pads are worn thin and need replacing. A grinding sound is more serious and often means the pads are completely gone, which can damage your rotors. It's important to schedule a brake inspection right away.
What causes my steering wheel to shake when I brake?
A vibrating or shaking feeling in the steering wheel or brake pedal is almost always a sign of warped rotors. This happens when the rotors overheat from hard, prolonged stopping, a common issue for drivers navigating the steep hills and grades around Billings.
How often does my brake fluid need to be changed?
We recommend a brake fluid flush every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or as your owner's manual suggests. This is a critical brake service in Billings because our wide temperature swings and dust can cause moisture buildup, which leads to corrosion and a "soft" brake pedal.
What happens if I ignore my brake warning light or other signs?
Ignoring a brake warning light or other symptoms like a soft pedal can lead to more costly, complex brake repair or even total brake failure. Especially with Billings' slippery winter roads, proactive brake maintenance is the safest and most cost-effective approach.
Does my brake repair come with a warranty?
Yes. As one of the premier brake shops in Billings, we stand behind our work. Qualifying brake repair and brake replacement services are backed by our industry-leading 3-Year/36,000-Mile Nice Difference® Warranty, giving you complete peace of mind.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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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"The staff is always polite and I don’t get the high pressure sales that I’ve had at other shops."
- Barb E