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 a Brake Service
Your vehicle often gives you warning signals before your brakes in Hoover fail completely. Recognizing these signs early can save you from more expensive repairs and keep you safe on the road. If you notice any changes in how your car handles while stopping, it is time to schedule a professional inspection.
Watch for these common indicators that your vehicle needs attention:
- Squealing or Grinding: High-pitched noises usually indicate worn pads, while grinding suggests metal-on-metal contact.
- Vibration While Braking: If your steering wheel shakes when you stop, it often points to warped rotors caused by heat.
- Soft or Spongy Pedal: A pedal that goes to the floor easily may indicate air in the brake lines or a fluid leak.
- Pulling to One Side: If your car drifts left or right when braking, you may have a stuck caliper or uneven pad wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a brake inspection?
We recommend having your brakes inspected at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. However, if you notice any unusual noises, reduced brake responsiveness, or a change in pedal feel, it's wise to get them checked sooner.
Given Hoover's varied terrain, timely brake inspections help prevent longer-term issues and expensive repairs. These inspections let us identify wear and tear early, which is especially helpful for older vehicles or those regularly driving through heavy traffic.
What are the signs that my brakes need repair?
Signs of potential brake issues include squeaking, grinding noises, a vibrating brake pedal, or your vehicle pulling to one side when braking. If your brake warning light comes on, it’s important to have a professional look at your brakes promptly.
Our technicians perform a detailed diagnostic inspection to pinpoint the exact issue and recommend the necessary brake repair. Taking care of brake problems early helps you avoid further mechanical trouble and protect your vehicle's performance and safety.
Why is regular brake maintenance important in Hoover?
Driving in Hoover often means frequent stops and starts in city traffic, which wears out brakes more quickly compared to less congested areas. Scheduling brake service regularly helps your car handle these demands, keeping you safe and extending the lifespan of your brake parts.
Having your brakes maintained at our shop gives you insights into possible upgrades or service tweaks tailored to how and where you drive. This keeps your daily commute and family trips smooth and secure.
How do I know if my brake pads need replacing?
Most brake pads need to be changed when they wear down to about 3mm thick. If your stopping power has decreased or you hear a squealing sound, you may need a brake pad replacement soon.
Our team measures pad thickness during your regular inspection to keep you updated. We check that all brake system components meet the appropriate standards for safety throughout Hoover.
What should I do if my brakes fail in Hoover?
If your brakes stop working, stay calm and gently downshift to a lower gear while easing the emergency brake. Pull off to the side of the road and call for help.
Regular maintenance with us dramatically reduces the risk of brake failure. Knowing how to use your emergency brake and making sure it’s working well will further protect you in case of trouble on Hoover roads.
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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"Christian Brothers Automotive is the best independent garage I have found in the Birmingham/Hoover metro area. Through, professional, efficient, trustworthy."
- Jeff