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 of Brake Problems You Should Watch For
Recognizing the early signs of brake problems can prevent costly repairs and keep you safe on Memphis roads. Here are some common indicators that your brakes may need attention:
- Squeaking or Squealing Noise: This is often the first sign that your brake pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced.
- Grinding Sound: A grinding noise typically indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out and the metal is contacting the rotor.
- Vibration or Pulsation: If you feel a vibration in the brake pedal, it could be a sign of warped rotors.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, it may be time for an inspection.
- Brake Warning Light: If the brake warning light on your dashboard is illuminated, it’s time to have your brakes checked immediately.
Staying alert to these warning signs helps you identify potential issues before they become emergencies. Our team is always available to discuss your concerns and clarify what your vehicle’s performance is telling you, so you can always drive with confidence.
How to Know if You Need Brake Replacement
Determining when it’s time for brake replacement is key to your vehicle’s safety. Here are guidelines to help you decide when a replacement need becomes urgent:
- Brake Pad Thickness: Brake pads should be replaced when they are less than 1/4 inch thick.
- Mileage: Generally, brake pads require replacement every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and conditions.
- Visual Inspection: Regular visual inspections can help identify wear and tear on brake components.
We encourage you to base your brake pad replacement decisions not just on mileage, but on unique daily routes and weather exposure. Not sure when to come in? Bring your vehicle to us. We’ll review your maintenance history, perform a thorough inspection, and recommend the most appropriate replacement timing for your needs. Being proactive helps you avoid costly repairs and ensures safe stopping every time.
Our Thorough Brake Inspection Process
At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we follow a meticulous and transparent brake inspection process to make sure your brakes are in optimal working condition. Here’s what you can expect during your inspection:
- Visual Inspection: We carefully check the brake pads, rotors, and calipers for signs of wear or damage that could impact performance.
- Brake Fluid Check: We examine your brake fluid’s level and condition. If needed, we recommend a fluid flush or replacement to keep your brakes responsive and safe.
- Test Drive: Our technicians test-drive your car to evaluate the brakes firsthand for subtle issues that may not show up in the shop.
- Detailed Report: After the inspection, we provide a comprehensive report with straightforward explanations and honest recommendations for any necessary repair service.
Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and focusing on preventive care, our transparent process helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and extends your brake system’s lifespan. Our goal is to ensure your vehicle’s brakes are performing at their best, keeping you safe on every journey.
Why Regular Brake Maintenance Is Essential
Regular brake maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of your brakes. Here are the primary benefits of routine maintenance:
- Enhanced Safety: Well-maintained brakes offer smoother stops and greater peace of mind, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Cost Savings: Early detection and repair prevent more expensive repairs, protecting your wallet from major breakdowns.
- Improved Performance: Maintenance ensures your entire brake system, from pads to fluid to calipers, works at peak efficiency, enhancing your vehicle’s capability and safety.
Whether maneuvering through traffic or handling wet streets after a summer thunderstorm, dependable brakes give you control and confidence. Our team helps you track brake service timelines and offers straightforward guidance on the best schedules for brake pad replacement. If you’re unsure whether it’s been too long since your last service, we’re happy to review your vehicle’s records, clarify manufacturer recommendations, and develop a plan tailored to your usage. Being proactive helps ensure your road safety and gives you peace of mind.
How Often Should You Change Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a critical, often-overlooked component of safe stopping. We recommend changing your brake fluid every 20,000 to 45,000 miles as a baseline, or as directed by your vehicle manufacturer. At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, our team checks your fluid during each inspection and helps you decide what’s best for your make, usage, and recent driving conditions.
Seasonal humidity and wide temperature swings can accelerate brake fluid breakdown, leading to corrosion or reduced hydraulic performance. That’s why we emphasize brake fluid checks in all appointments, even if it’s not yet due for scheduled brake replacement. Keeping your brake fluid fresh will give you quicker stops and help prevent expensive component failures. We’ll review original manufacturer recommendations and assess your recent road conditions to create a customized maintenance plan that keeps you prepared.
Christian Brothers Brake Warranty
We stand behind the quality of our repair. Our warranty offers valuable peace of mind that ensures all brake repairs and replacements performed by our skilled technicians are covered. Contact us for details on our warranty terms and how they apply to your specific needs.
Our brake warranty is specially designed, assuring that you remain protected long after you leave our service center. Whether facing tough city driving or a daily suburban commute, our warranty delivers lasting value. We’ll explain coverage in plain language and help customers understand any available regional benefits. If a question or issue arises after your appointment, you know where to turn for help. For details, ask at your visit or speak with a service advisor. Our goal is to support you every step of the way.
For reliable and professional brake repair & replacement, call us at (901) 589-5127 to schedule your appointment today and experience the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does brake repair or brake replacement cost in Memphis, TN?
The cost of brake replacement or repair varies based on your vehicle, the extent of brake wear, and the parts required for your situation. We answer all questions so you know exactly what to expect.
Are there any Tennessee safety regulations or inspections for brakes that I should know?
You should keep in mind that vehicle safety standards require your brake system to be kept in safe working order. While annual inspections are no longer mandated statewide, we must ensure that they function properly under the law, and brake lights are still checked during registration renewal. Law enforcement can issue citations for unsafe brakes discovered during routine stops or after an accident.
How quickly can I get brake repair service completed at Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland in Memphis?
We know swift, convenient service matters to busy customers who rely on safe brakes every day. Our flexible scheduling system and same-day availability mean you can get urgent brake repair or replacement quickly. We’ll prioritize your needs, keeping your day moving and your vehicle safe for traffic and beyond.
How Christian Brothers Automotive Can Help
At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland, we are dedicated to reshaping the way you think about car repair and service. When servicing your vehicle, we always provide an upfront summary of everything that needs to be fixed, including a parts and labor cost breakdown. Your vehicle repairs are always your choice; we will never do anything without your consent.
Choosing Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeland for your brake service needs means entrusting your vehicle to a team of professionals who genuinely care about your safety and satisfaction. Book your brake repair and replacement today to experience the difference in 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.