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 to Watch For
Even the sturdiest brakes show wear and tear over time. Knowing the warning signs can help you catch problems early, keeping your family and others on the road safer. Below are some common brake issues vehicle owners in Cumming frequently face:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: These sounds typically mean your brake pads are worn down.
- Spongy Brake Pedal: If your pedal feels soft or less responsive, there could be air in the brake lines or low brake fluid.
- Pulling to One Side: Uneven brake pad wear or a caliper issue often causes this problem.
- Vibrations While Braking: Warped rotors commonly cause this vibration.
- Warning Light on Your Dashboard: Most modern vehicles will alert you when there’s an issue in your braking system.
If you notice any of these issues, don’t wait to visit us. Minor brake problems can lead to more costly repairs and safety risks if ignored.
Our team often sees vehicles in need of prompt brake pad replacement in Cumming, especially for drivers on Peachtree Parkway or those who regularly encounter stop-and-go traffic. Neglecting early symptoms can lead to increased repair bills and complications with components like rotors and calipers. Paying attention to changes in your braking performance allows us to quickly identify issues and keep you—and your vehicle—safe on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a brake pad replacement?
The most common sign that you need service is a high-pitched squealing noise when you apply the brakes. This is a built-in wear indicator designed to alert you that the friction material is getting low. If you hear a grinding metal-on-metal sound, it means the pads are completely gone, and you are likely damaging the rotors.
Aside from noise, pay attention to how the pedal feels under your foot. If the pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor, you may have air in the lines or a fluid leak. Vibrations in the steering wheel during braking also suggest that your rotors may be warped and need attention.
How often should I have my brake fluid exchanged?
Most manufacturers recommend a brake fluid exchange every two years or 30,000 miles, but this can vary. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. Water in your brake lines can boil under heavy braking, leading to a dangerous loss of stopping power known as "brake fade."
Internal corrosion is another risk of old, contaminated fluid. Moisture can rust the metal components of your ABS module and calipers from the inside out. Regular fluid flushes at a professional car repair service center prevent costly hydraulic system failures.
Why does my car pull to one side when I brake?
A vehicle pulling to one side usually indicates a stuck caliper or a collapsed brake hose. If a caliper freezes, it may not apply pressure evenly with the other side, causing the car to veer. This is a significant safety hazard that requires immediate professional brake repair in Cumming.
Uneven tire pressure or worn suspension components can also mimic this symptom. It is essential to have a comprehensive diagnosis to distinguish between a brake issue and an alignment issue. Our technicians evaluate the entire chassis to ensure the problem is resolved correctly.
What is the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are generally quieter and produce less dust, keeping your wheels cleaner. They are excellent for daily driving and provide stable performance across a wide range of temperatures. However, they are often more expensive than their metallic counterparts.
Semi-metallic pads offer superior stopping power and heat dissipation, making them ideal for heavy vehicles or towing. They may produce more noise and dust, but are preferred for performance applications. We help you choose the right material based on your specific vehicle and driving style.
Does CBAC offer a warranty on brake services?
Yes, we stand firmly behind the quality of our workmanship and parts. We offer a robust 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Warranty on our repairs, giving you confidence long after you leave the shop. This warranty covers both parts and labor, ensuring you are protected against defects.
We believe that a warranty is a reflection of a shop's confidence in its own work. When you choose us for brake pad replacement, you are investing in a service that is guaranteed. Your peace of mind is a standard part of every service package we offer.
Schedule Your Safety Inspection Today
At Christian Brothers Automotive Ducktown, we combine technical precision with a customer-first approach to ensure your vehicle remains reliable.
Our commitment to quality parts, experienced technicians, and local knowledge makes us the superior choice for brake service Cumming, GA. Don't wait for a warning light to jeopardize your safety on the road.
Secure your appointment online or call us today at (470) 250-3395 to experience the highest standard of automotive care.
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.