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 Service
Recognizing the need for brake service is key to staying safe on Grapevine roads. Responding to brake problems early prevents more extensive damage and helps avoid bigger risks on your daily drives.
Here are some common signs that it's time for brake service:
- Squeaking or squealing noises: These often mean your brake pads are worn out and need replacement soon.
- Grinding noises: If you hear a grinding sound, the brake pads may be completely worn and damaging your rotors.
- Vibrations while braking: Vibrations felt in the steering wheel or brake pedal can point to warped rotors or other brake issues.
- Soft or spongy pedal: A soft brake pedal could result from air in the brake lines or a fluid leak.
- Reduced braking power: Needing more distance to stop means the brake system may be losing effectiveness and needs attention.
- Pulling to one side: If your car drifts when braking, it could be from uneven brake wear or alignment problems.
- Brake warning light: When this light turns on, make an appointment to have your brakes checked as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these issues, visit us quickly for a brake service Grapevine drivers trust. Our ASE-certified technicians thoroughly inspect your brakes for safety and performance, making sure you get a solution matched to your exact needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If My Car Needs Brake Service?
Common signs you may need brake service include squealing noises, a spongy brake pedal, or longer stopping distances. If you feel vibrations or your car pulls to one side when braking, schedule an inspection since these could signal deteriorating parts.
You might also notice subtle changes such as decreased responsiveness, a warning light on the dash, or leaks near the wheels. Watching for these early indicators lets you address issues before they become costly or hazardous.
What Services Are Included in a Brake Inspection?
A comprehensive brake inspection at our Grapevine shop covers the entire system—pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid. We look for unusual wear patterns and only recommend solutions that benefit your vehicle and keep you safe.
We also check all hoses, fittings, and fluid connections for leaks or corrosion, and review your car’s history for recurring issues. Using advanced equipment, we address any concerns found and explain all options clearly so you know what’s needed.
Can Weather Conditions Affect My Brakes?
Yes, Grapevine’s climate can influence brake performance. Intense heat causes brake fluid to deteriorate faster, and winter cold can make components brittle. Regular brake service helps you catch these problems before they affect safety.
Seasonal weather brings different demands on your brakes. Wet or icy roads may cause additional wear, so our local expertise lets us offer care tips and services suited for Grapevine’s unique driving environment, keeping your brakes in top shape year-round.
How Often Should I Schedule Brake Maintenance?
We suggest having your brakes inspected at least once per year in Grapevine, but frequent stop-and-go driving or towing may require more frequent checks. Our technicians will recommend the right timing for your specific vehicle and habits.
After long trips or heavy use, a quick check can help prevent breakdowns. Our thorough approach means we’ll catch minor issues and help maintain your confidence in your car’s safety every mile you drive.
What Are the Risks of Not Maintaining My Brakes?
Neglecting brake maintenance can cause major safety hazards—like brake failure, longer stopping distances, or costly repairs. Regular checks boost both safety and system reliability, so you can drive with peace of mind.
Delaying brake service could also damage other vehicle systems and lead to unexpected problems. By acting early, you ensure your driving experience stays smooth and stress-free, mile after mile.
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.