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
Over time, brakes wear down with regular use or sudden stress. Below are some common issues to watch for that may signal it’s time for professional attention:
- Squealing or grinding sounds when applying the brakes, often from worn-out pads
- A spongy or soft brake pedal, which may point to air in the hydraulic system or fluid issues
- Vibrations while braking, possibly from warped rotors
- Pulling to one side as you brake, which can indicate uneven wear or caliper problems
- Illuminated brake warning lights, signaling the need for immediate inspection
If you notice any of these problems, don’t wait. Addressing brake issues quickly can prevent further repairs and improve safety.
Brakes in Louisiana face extra pressure from frequent rain and humidity, which speed up rust and wear. In Covington, daily driving often means more stop-and-go traffic and sudden stops, so stay alert for new sounds or sensations from your brakes. Taking action as soon as you notice a change helps keep you, your family, and other drivers safe throughout St. Tammany Parish.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brakes
A little care goes a long way in extending the lifespan and boosting the performance of your brakes. Here are some practical tips to keep them in top shape:
- Check your fluid levels regularly, as low or dirty brake fluid can affect brake efficiency.
- Avoid sudden stops or hard braking whenever possible to reduce wear.
- Pay attention to warning signs, like unusual noises or reduced stopping power, and act quickly.
- Inspect your brake pads and rotors periodically to monitor wear.
- Schedule routine brake inspections, letting our ASE-certified technicians cover the details.
Following these tips can save money, extend the life of your brakes, and give you more confidence behind the wheel.
Certain road conditions in Covington can cause brakes to wear out faster, especially during the rainy season when roads become slick. Schedule more frequent brake checks in wet months to reduce your risk. Keeping up with regular maintenance helps your brakes handle daily traffic along Highways 190 and 21. Our customers rely on these steps to keep their brakes performing all year.
We’ll Help Keep Your Brakes Reliable
At Christian Brothers Automotive Covington, we’re proud to stand behind the quality of our work with a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Warranty. When you choose us, you’re not just getting brake services; you’re choosing a team that cares about your safety and satisfaction.
Whether you need your brakes checked, repaired, or replaced, our experienced team is ready to help. Call or stop by today and feel the difference honest, neighborly service makes.
What to Expect During Your Brake Appointment
When you arrive at Christian Brothers Automotive Covington, our team welcomes you and listens closely to your concerns about your brakes. We ask about recent changes—like noises, pedal feel, or loss of stopping power you’ve noticed while driving around Covington. You can count on us to explain every step, whether you need an inspection, repair, or replacement.
Our technicians use manufacturer-quality equipment for every check, from diagnostics to adjustments. We believe in transparent pricing and only recommend the work you need. If you need to leave your vehicle, we offer a complimentary shuttle so your routine isn’t disrupted. After your visit, you receive a report on the work performed with maintenance recommendations. Our focus is long-term safety and honest, neighborly service—values that have earned us the trust of the Covington community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my brakes inspected?
Most drivers benefit from a brake inspection once a year or every 12,000 miles, but drivers in Covington may want more frequent checks due to heavy traffic and wet seasons. Our team can help you choose a schedule that fits your driving habits.
Can I drive if my brakes are making noise?
If you hear squealing, grinding, or clicking, schedule a brake check as soon as possible. Waiting can increase repair costs and affect your safety, especially with Covington’s frequent rainy conditions.
What’s included with a brake pad replacement service?
Brake pad replacement means removing the old pads, installing new ones, and inspecting rotors and calipers for wear. We share anything else we find during your appointment so you know your options moving forward.
Need service in Covington? Turn to the professionals at Christian Brothers Automotive Covington. Call us today at (985) 589-6164 or schedule an appointment online!
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.