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?
Understanding the Importance of Brake Maintenance
Your vehicle’s brakes are its most crucial safety feature. Regular brake maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your vehicle.
Worn-out brakes can lead to:
- Safety on the Road: Reliable brakes prevent accidents and provide peace of mind.
- Cost Efficiency: Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs.
- Extended Vehicle Longevity: Regular maintenance contributes to the overall durability of your car.
In Concord, where weather conditions can fluctuate, regular brake maintenance becomes even more critical. Rainy seasons can lead to increased moisture and potential rusting of brake components. Timely inspections help identify rust and corrosion before it leads to brake failure. Our commitment to transparency ensures you are aware of potential issues before they escalate, saving you both time and cost on future repairs.
Common Brake Issues
Concord's diverse driving conditions can take a toll on your vehicle's brakes. From city traffic to hilly terrains, these elements influence brake wear and tear.
Be mindful of these common brake issues:
- Squeaking & Grinding: Often indicates that brake pads are worn and need replacement.
- Vibration: May suggest warped rotors, which require immediate attention.
- Poor Responsiveness: Can signal fluid leaks or air in the brake lines, compromising brake performance.
Driving habits in Concord, such as frequent stop-and-go traffic, can also exacerbate wear on brake components, necessitating more frequent check-ups. Our team evaluates your specific driving conditions and patterns to tailor brake maintenance plans that best suit your vehicle’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?
Routine brake inspections are recommended every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, though this may vary based on driving habits and conditions. If you notice unusual sounds or changes in brake responsiveness, it’s wise to have them inspected immediately.
In Concord's diverse climate, brake systems might experience accelerated wear due to environmental factors. Regular brake checks help adapt to these conditions, prevent unexpected failures, and ensure structural integrity throughout varying seasons.
Can I Drive with Squeaky Brakes?
Squeaky brakes can indicate worn pads and should not be ignored. While some squeaks may not be dangerous, it’s crucial to have squeaky brakes checked promptly to avoid potential safety hazards or further damage.
Ignoring initial squeaks can lead to more severe problems, such as rotor damage or complete pad wear, ultimately increasing repair costs. Early intervention is vital, and our technicians are skilled in providing quick diagnostics and solutions for such issues.
What Does Brake Service Include?
Brake service typically includes inspection of brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. Depending on the findings, it may involve pad replacement, rotor resurfacing or replacement, and brake fluid refills to ensure optimal performance.
Our brake service is comprehensive, extending beyond basic checks to provide a meticulous evaluation of all brake system components. This dedication ensures you leave with brakes that guarantee safety and reliability on Concord's roads.
Why Does My Steering Wheel Shake When Braking?
If your steering wheel shakes while braking, it usually indicates warped rotors or problems with the brake calipers. This should be addressed immediately to ensure safe and smooth operation of your vehicle.
A shaking steering wheel during braking can also signify uneven tire wear or alignment issues, which could affect your vehicle's handling and safety. Our team at Christian Brothers Automotive Concord Coddle Creek specializes in diagnosing these multi-faceted problems, ensuring a holistic approach to maintenance.
Is Brake Fluid Replacement Important?
Yes, replacing brake fluid is critical, as it loses effectiveness over time, leading to reduced braking performance. Regular fluid replacement helps maintain optimal brake function and prevents corrosion within the system.
Our specialized brake fluid replacement service includes a careful assessment of fluid quality and system flush if necessary. This thorough approach helps avoid internal corrosion, ensuring the longevity and responsiveness of your braking system.
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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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.