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 in Lexington
Recognizing the early signs of brake problems can prevent costly repairs and ensure your safety on the roads of Lexington.
Here's what you need to be on the lookout for when assessing the performance of your brakes:
- Squeaking or grinding noises when applying the brakes
- Vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal
- Longer stopping distances
- Brake warning light on the dashboard
- Spongy or soft brake pedal feel
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to schedule a brake inspection with us as soon as possible. Delaying repairs could lead to more extensive damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
How to Choose a Brake Shop in Lexington
Selecting the right shop for brake repair in Lexington can make a significant difference in your vehicle’s performance and safety. With so many options available, it is important to know what to look for in a trustworthy brake provider before you commit your car to their care.
One of the primary factors to consider is the qualification of the technicians. Shops that employ ASE-certified professionals are more likely to deliver quality results and correctly diagnose your brake problems the first time. It is also valuable to assess if the shop uses equipment and parts that meet or exceed manufacturer standards, which can help ensure both the safety and longevity of your braking system.
For drivers living in or frequently traveling throughout the Midlands, understanding Lexington’s variable road conditions is essential. Rainy weather and busy traffic corridors like Highway 378 and Interstate 20 may put added stress on brakes, making it even more critical to pick a shop that has experience dealing with local challenges.
Before you make a decision, check the following:
- Technician training: Confirm that technicians hold current certifications and have experience working with your vehicle make and model.
- Warranty coverage: Find out if the shop offers a written warranty on brake repair or brake replacement work performed.
- Convenience services: Ask about shuttle service, appointment flexibility, and comfortable waiting areas to support your repair experience.
By conducting some research and asking the right questions, you can select a Lexington brake shop that is well-equipped to keep your vehicle performing safely on the roads you drive every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell When My Brakes Need Service?
Several indicators can suggest that it's time for a brake service. Common signs include unusual noises like squealing or grinding, a spongy or soft brake pedal, vehicle pulling to one side when braking, or longer stopping distances. If you notice the brake warning light on your dashboard, it's crucial to seek professional help immediately.
Regular check-ups can also help identify potential issues before they turn into significant problems, providing peace of mind on the road. At Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington, our thorough inspection process will diagnose these issues accurately.
What Is Included in a Brake Inspection?
A proper brake inspection at Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington involves a range of checks and tests. This includes a visual inspection of the brake pads, rotors, and calipers; measurements of brake pad thickness; evaluation of the brake fluid level and condition, as well as a detailed inspection of the brake lines, hoses, and more.
Our technicians will also test for proper brake pedal feel and response. This comprehensive assessment ensures your brake system is functioning safely and efficiently.
Why Is Brake Fluid Maintenance Important?
Brake fluid is critical for the effective operation of your braking system, transmitting the force created when you press the brake pedal to the wheels. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to corrosion of brake components and reduce the boiling point of the fluid, affecting performance.
Regular maintenance checks at Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington ensure that your brake fluid remains clean and effective, preserving your brake system's reliability.
How Often Should I Change My Brake Fluid?
Brake fluid is a crucial component of your vehicle’s braking mechanism, yet it is often one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle maintenance. Changing your brake fluid routinely can prevent deterioration caused by moisture buildup, which may lead to corrosion of brake components and eventual brake failure.
A well-maintained brake fluid level not only enhances vehicle safety but also aids in consistent vehicle performance, preventing instances where leaks or air bubbles might compromise safety.
How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads?
Brake pads wear out over time and typically need replacement every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and conditions. Aggressive driving, heavy loads, and frequent city driving, which involves more frequent stop-and-go traffic, can accelerate wear.
Our technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington can help determine the optimal replacement schedule for your brake pads through regular inspections.
Are There Local Considerations for Brake Maintenance in Lexington?
Yes, local climate and road conditions can significantly impact the maintenance needs of your brakes. In Lexington, the hot and humid summers paired with sudden rainfall can lead to increased wear on brake components.
Additionally, knowledge of local roads and traffic patterns can help anticipate more aggressive stop-and-go traffic, further influencing the wear on your brakes. At Christian Brothers Automotive Lexington, we take local factors into account, tailoring our maintenance advice to help you keep your vehicle safe and efficient in and around Lexington.
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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"To quote andy Griffin “these guys are good.” From the time we made appointments on the telephone, dropping Off our 2 vehicles and picking the 2 vehicles up was a very good experience. Fantastic customer service. Check engine light was on in the"
- Gordon M.