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?
Warning Signs of Brake Problems
Here are some common signs that indicate your auto repair brakes might need attention:
- Screeching or Grinding Noises: When you hear high-pitched screeching or grinding sounds as you apply the brakes, it could mean your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.
- Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: A brake pedal that feels soft or spongy underfoot may indicate air in the brake lines or problems with the brake fluid, which requires immediate attention.
- Pulling to One Side While Braking: If your car pulls to one side when you brake, it could result from uneven brake pad wear or a problem with the brake calipers.
- Longer Stopping Distances: When your vehicle takes longer than usual to come to a stop, it might be a sign of fading brakes or worn brake components.
- Brake Warning Light on the Dashboard: This clearly indicates that your vehicle’s braking system needs an inspection. Never ignore a brake warning light—it signals that something requires immediate attention.
If you notice any of these issues, contact our trusted auto repair professionals for a brake inspection. By conducting a thorough brake inspection, we can identify potential problems before they escalate. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents, keeps your vehicle safe, and saves you money on future repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads?
The lifespan of your brake pads depends heavily on your driving habits and the type of vehicle you drive. On average, brake pads last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in stop-and-go Birmingham traffic or tow heavy loads, you may need replacements sooner.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Greystone, we measure your pad thickness during every courtesy inspection. We provide a clear timeline for replacement, letting you know if you are in the "green," "yellow," or "red" zone. This proactive approach helps you plan for maintenance rather than being caught off guard by metal-on-metal grinding.
What Causes Brakes to Squeak?
Squeaking can be caused by several factors, ranging from harmless to critical. Moisture or dust accumulation can cause temporary squeaking in the morning. However, a persistent high-pitched squeal is usually the built-in wear indicator warning you that your pads are thin.
Ignoring this sound can lead to rotor damage. Our technicians can identify the source of the noise, whether it is simple dust buildup that needs cleaning or worn pads that require immediate replacement. We ensure your ride is quiet and safe.
Do I Need to Replace Rotors With Pads?
Not always, but it is often recommended for optimal performance. Rotors must have a smooth, even surface for the new pads to grip effectively. If the rotors are thick enough, they can sometimes be resurfaced (machined) to remove grooves and glazing.
However, modern rotors are often designed to be thinner to save weight, meaning they may not have enough material to be resurfaced safely. We measure your rotors against manufacturer specifications to determine if resurfacing is safe or if replacement is the better option for long-term durability.
Why Is My Brake Warning Light On?
A brake warning light should never be ignored. It can indicate a variety of issues, from something as simple as the parking brake being engaged to something as serious as a loss of hydraulic pressure or low brake fluid levels.
In some cases, it points to a problem with the ABS system diagnostics, meaning your anti-lock features may not work in an emergency. We use advanced scanners to read the trouble codes and pinpoint the exact cause of the warning light, ensuring all safety systems are fully functional.
Is Brake Fluid Flushing Necessary?
Yes, brake fluid is vital for transferring the force from your foot to the brakes. Over time, fluid absorbs moisture and becomes contaminated with copper and debris. Old fluid can boil under hard braking, causing the pedal to go to the floor and resulting in brake fade.
We recommend a flush every 2 to 3 years or according to your owner's manual. Fresh fluid protects internal components from rust and ensures a consistent, firm pedal feel, especially during the hot Alabama summers.
Schedule Your Brake Service Today
Your safety is our top priority, and reliable brakes are the foundation of a safe vehicle. Christian Brothers Automotive Greystone combines technical expertise with a customer-centric approach to provide the best brake repair experience in the area. From our detailed digital inspections to our high-quality parts, we ensure your vehicle is prepared for any stop.
Don't wait until you hear grinding noises to seek help. Protect your family and your investment with professional brake care.
Contact us online or call us at (205) 839-1455 to schedule your expert brake service in Birmingham, AL.
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.