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?
Brake Repair vs. Brake Replacement: What’s the Difference?
Many drivers want to know when brake service means repair and when it requires a complete brake replacement. Brake repair in Centennial often involves restoring or improving performance by resurfacing rotors, cleaning brake hardware, or replacing brake fluid. If an inspection shows wear that meets or exceeds recommended limits, especially for pads and rotors after tough commutes or mountain drives, a full replacement restores safety and stopping power. Higher elevation and hilly terrain can accelerate brake wear, so our team closely reviews both performance and visible wear before explaining your options. You’ll always know the difference and what’s right for your needs.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Littleton - Centennial, we prioritize your budget and safety. We follow the manufacturer’s guidance for every make and model. If a replacement is needed, we explain what’s required and discuss the options before any work begins. Our transparent process keeps you in the driver’s seat and helps your brakes stand up to local driving, even on steep grades or congested roads.
Signs You May Need Immediate Brake Services
Your vehicle provides clear signals when it's time for a brake inspection. Ignoring these symptoms risks costly damage and compromises your safety, especially since driving conditions can accelerate wear on your system. To protect your investment and ensure your vehicle can stop reliably, be proactive about scheduling service if you notice any of these common red flags:
Squeaking or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal indicates worn brake pads, while a deeper grinding noise means metal is scraping metal, requiring immediate attention.
Vibration or Pulsation: A shaky brake pedal or steering wheel often points to warped rotors that need resurfacing or replacement.
Soft or Spongy Pedal Feel: If your brake pedal feels unusually low or soft, you may have a critical issue like air in the hydraulic lines or low brake fluid.
Longer Stopping Distances: If your car takes noticeably more time and space to slow down, your braking efficiency is severely compromised.
Brake Warning Light: Any illumination of the dashboard brake light should prompt an immediate inspection.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an inspection with us right away. We'll review the results with you in plain language, ensuring you stay informed and confident about any necessary repairs or replacements.
Understanding Brake System Components & Types
Your vehicle's braking system relies on several critical, interconnected parts to safely bring you to a stop. We begin every service with a thorough brake inspection to assess these components, paying close attention to signs of wear or brake noise. We ensure you understand which type is best suited for your vehicle and driving environment.
Key Brake System Components & Pad Types:
Brake Pads: The friction material that presses against the rotor to slow the wheel. They must be replaced periodically.
Rotors/Discs: The metal surface the pads grip. Wear or warping here can cause vibrations and require resurfacing or replacement.
Calipers: The hydraulic assembly that houses the pads and presses them into the rotor when you press the pedal.
Brake Fluid: The essential hydraulic liquid that transmits pressure from the pedal to the calipers.
Ceramic Pads: Known for quiet operation and excellent heat resistance, making them a premium option.
Semi-Metallic Pads: Offer great stopping power and durability, but they can occasionally generate some brake noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a brake service usually take?
Most brake repairs and brake pad replacements in Centennial are completed the same day, but exact timing depends on your vehicle and parts availability. If your service will take longer, our team will explain the schedule so you can plan.
Does Colorado’s climate affect my brake system?
Yes, Colorado’s weather, including snow and big temperature swings, can cause rust or extra wear on brake components. Regular inspections help catch weather-related wear early, so you stay safe and avoid bigger issues with your brakes.
What types of brakes do most Centennial vehicles use?
Most newer vehicles in the area use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many have disc brakes on all four wheels. Some older or smaller cars use drum brakes in the rear. During your service, we can tell you exactly what your car uses and how it affects maintenance.
Why Choose Christian Brothers Automotive Littleton - Centennial
When you choose us for brake system repair or brake pad replacement in Centennial, you receive:
Expert Inspections: We assess every part of your braking system, including pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid.
Transparent Pricing: We offer detailed, up-front cost breakdowns for labor and parts. No surprises.
Quality Assurance: Our industry-leading warranty and use of manufacturer-approved equipment give you confidence with every mile.
We know our customers want straightforward, local service. Our ASE-certified team meets high industry standards for skill and professionalism. Owner-operators are on site every day and happy to answer questions. We want you to leave feeling fully comfortable with your brake repair or replacement, every time.
How Christian Brothers Automotive Littleton - Centennial Can Help
At Christian Brothers Automotive Littleton - Centennial, we're dedicated to reshaping the way you think about car repair and service by making safety and transparency our top priorities. When servicing your vehicle, we always provide an upfront summary of everything that needs to be addressed, including a detailed parts and labor cost breakdown. We empower you to make decisions, ensuring your vehicle repairs are always your choice; we will never perform any work without your consent.
Our expert, certified technicians leave no detail overlooked during your brake inspection. We meticulously check key components like brake pad thickness, calipers, rotor wear, and all associated brake hardware. We also inspect the critical hydraulic system by checking the level and condition of your brake fluid and examining the brake hoses, which often wear out and need regular checks. Choosing us for your brake service means entrusting your vehicle to a team of professionals who genuinely care about your safety and satisfaction.
Don't wait to compromise your safety. Get prompt, reliable brake service for peace of mind. Call (720) 605-3408 or schedule your service today!
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.