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?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a professional brake inspection?
A comprehensive brake inspection involves a multi-point check of the entire hydraulic and mechanical system. Our ASE-certified technicians examine the thickness of the brake pads, the surface condition of the rotors, the integrity of the brake line repairs (if any are needed), and the moisture content of the brake fluid. We also check the calipers for proper movement and the emergency brake for correct tension.
This process is designed to give you a complete "health report" of your stopping power. By identifying small leaks in a brake hose or early signs of rotor warping, we can help you avoid the much higher costs of a total system failure. Every inspection concludes with a consultation where we explain our findings in detail.
Why do my brakes squeak even if they are new?
Squeaking can occur for several reasons, even after a recent brake pad replacement. Sometimes, a small amount of dust or moisture can get trapped between the pad and the rotor, causing a temporary noise. However, it can also be a sign that the pads were not properly bedded in or that the anti-rattle clips are loose.
If the noise persists, it’s important to return to your auto repair shop for a quick check. At Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley, we ensure all components are properly lubricated and torqued to manufacturer specifications to minimize noise. We want your vehicle to be as quiet as it is safe.
How does the Phoenix heat affect my brake fluid?
In the Phoenix metro area, the extreme heat of Phoenix summers can cause brake fluid to degrade much faster than in other regions. High temperatures accelerate the fluid's ability to absorb moisture, which leads to internal corrosion of the master cylinder and calipers. This can eventually result in a "spongy" brake pedal and reduced stopping power.
We generally recommend a brake fluid flush every two years, but in the Phoenix area, we may suggest it more frequently depending on your driving habits. Maintaining clean, dry fluid is the best way to protect the expensive hydraulic components of your braking system.
What is the difference between resurfacing and replacing rotors?
Brake rotor resurfacing involves using a lathe to remove a thin layer of metal from the rotor's surface to make it perfectly flat again. This is a great option if the rotors have plenty of thickness left but are slightly warped. However, if the rotors are too thin or have deep heat cracks, a full brake rotor replacement is the only safe solution.
Our technicians measure every rotor with a micrometer to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s minimum safety thickness. We will never resurface a rotor that is too thin, as this could lead to catastrophic failure under the high-heat conditions of Phoenix driving.
How long does a typical brake repair take?
Most standard brake services, such as brake pad replacement and rotor resurfacing, can be completed in just a few hours. More complex automotive repair tasks, like brake line repairs or master cylinder replacements, may take a bit longer. We strive for efficiency without ever sacrificing the quality of the work.
We offer a complimentary shuttle to help you stay on track with your day while we work. Our team will give you a specific time estimate after the initial diagnostic check, and we’ll keep you updated if that timeline changes. Your convenience is a high priority for our team.
Trust the Phoenix Brake Experts
Safe driving starts with a reliable braking system. Whether you are commuting across the Phoenix metro area or planning a trip out of town, Christian Brothers Automotive Happy Valley is here to ensure your vehicle is up to the task. We combine specialized engine services with expert car repair to provide a one-stop shop for all your automotive needs. Our commitment to the "Nice Difference" means you can expect a higher standard of service, transparency, and technical skill.
Don't wait for a warning light to appear or a strange noise to start. Being proactive with your brake maintenance is the best way to stay safe and save money in the long run. Our team of ASE-certified technicians is standing by to provide the high-quality care you and your vehicle deserve.
Maximize your vehicle's safety with a team that understands the specific needs of Phoenix area drivers.
Schedule your brake pad replacement online or call us at (623) 887-8862 to book your visit!
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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"They DEFINITELY go above and beyond any other auto mechanic service."
- Brooke