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?
Signs You Need Brake Pad Replacement
Knowing when to schedule brake replacement work can help you address small issues before they become serious safety concerns. Paying attention to changes in how your vehicle feels or sounds is the easiest way to protect your peace of mind. Our team helps you pinpoint the cause of these symptoms to recommend the right repair.
Watch for these common warning signs:
- Squealing Noises: High-pitched sounds usually indicate that your pads are wearing thin and need attention.
- Grinding Sounds: Metal-on-metal noise suggesting pads are gone and rotors are being damaged.
- Vibrating Wheel: Shaking in the steering wheel often points to warped or uneven rotors.
- Soft Pedal: A pedal that travels farther than usual indicates air or fluid hydraulic issues.
- Warning Lights: Dashboard alerts signaling low fluid, ABS faults, or system wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Have My Brakes Checked?
A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes checked at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, if you drive frequently in stop-and-go city traffic, carry heavy loads, or notice any changes in braking performance, it is wise to schedule an inspection sooner. Regular checks help catch minor wear before it affects your ability to stop smoothly and safely.
How Long Does A Typical Brake Service Appointment Take?
The time required depends on what we find during the inspection and the type of work your vehicle needs. A basic brake evaluation itself is usually completed fairly quickly, while services like brake pad replacement or rotor work can take longer. When you schedule your visit, we can provide a general timeframe and keep you updated so you know when to expect your vehicle back.
Can I Drive If My Brakes Are Making Noise?
Unusual brake noises are often an early sign that pads are wearing thin or that another component needs attention. While the vehicle may still stop, continuing to drive can cause additional wear to rotors or other parts and may reduce your overall stopping power. It is safer to have the brakes inspected soon after you notice a new sound, rather than waiting for the problem to worsen.
Do you offer a warranty on brake repairs?
Yes, we stand behind our workmanship and parts. We offer an industry-leading warranty on our brake repair service, giving you peace of mind. We will review the specific coverage details with you before any work begins so you know you are protected.
What is included in a brake fluid exchange?
Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers its boiling point and can cause corrosion. Our service involves removing the old, contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid that meets manufacturer specifications. This maintains hydraulic pressure and protects internal system components.
Keep your stopping power reliable. Book your appointment online or call (281) 500-9579 for a check-up
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.